Harper Government's Investments in Colleges Driving Innovation and Opportunities

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 2, 2014) - Department of Industry

During a keynote address today, the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), highlighted the successes of Canadian colleges, cégeps and institutes in boosting business and social innovation to create more prosperous Canadian communities. The Harper Government supports applied college research through a number of programs including the College and Community Innovation Program and the new Community and College Social Innovation Fund. Minister of State Holder also highlighted the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, a $1.5-billion legacy commitment to world-leading research at Canada's post-secondary institutions.

Quick facts

• Colleges and Institutes Canada represents Canada's colleges, institutes, polytechnics and cégeps and encourages innovation, applied research, international development, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities at campuses in 3,000 communities across Canada.
  
  
• Launched on November 21, 2014, the Community and College Social Innovation Fund will provide $15 million over three years in support of research projects at colleges and polytechnics that encourage social innovation in Canada.
  
  
• The College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program helps increase innovation in Canadian communities by supporting applied research projects that bring together colleges and local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized businesses.
  
  
• Since CCI became a permanent program in 2008, the Government of Canada has invested more than $255 million, supporting more than 900 projects at almost 100 colleges, polytechnics and cégeps across Canada.
  
  
• The Canada First Research Excellence Fund is a new commitment of $1.5 billion toward world-leading post-secondary research. The Fund will be open to proposals from all post-secondary institutions through an open and competitive peer-review process.
  
  

Quote

"Our government has made record investments in science, technology and innovation. As a result, Canada leads the G7 in terms of R&D investments at universities, colleges and research institutes. Applied research at Canada's colleges plays a crucial role in driving business and social innovation in our communities, creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians while developing experienced, job-ready graduates."

- Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology)

Associated links

- Colleges and Institutes Canada website

- Community and College Social Innovation Fund

- Science.gc.ca

- Industry Canada Science and Technology website

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