Governments of Canada and Manitoba Announce Second Round of Funding for Post-Secondary Infrastructure in the Province
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, July 6, 2009 — Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), and the Honourable Peter Bjornson, Manitoba Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth, on behalf of the Honourable Diane McGifford, Manitoba Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy, today announced $41.2 million in funding for infrastructure projects at post-secondary institutions in Manitoba.
As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year $2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, including universities and community colleges.
The funding announced today is part of the second round of investments under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and builds on the more than $159 million announced for projects in Manitoba under the first round of funding last month.
"This Government of Canada investment at these institutions will provide a significant short-term economic stimulus to the people of Manitoba," said Mr. Bruinooge. "Our government is investing in innovation to create jobs, help our economy recover quickly and improve Canadians' quality of life."
"The Manitoba government is pleased to partner with Industry Canada and the University of Manitoba to improve campus infrastructure," Minister Bjornson said. "Our economy will benefit almost immediately through the creation of jobs and spin-off activities; while over the long term, thousands of post-secondary students will attend classes in an enhanced and updated learning environment."
The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. It is also helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada's research and educational facilities at the forefront of scientific advancement.
The investment announced today totals $41.2 million over two years, including $17.1 million from the federal government and $24.1 million from the provincial government and other sources, including the institutions themselves.
Four projects at the University of Manitoba were among those to receive funding today. The university will use the funding for renovations and enhancements to its Biological Science Building, Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, Eureka Incubator and Buller Building Science Labs.
"This funding directly supports our long-term development and infrastructure goals, especially Project Domino, which will see a reshaping of the University of Manitoba landscape," said Dr. David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba. "This will greatly benefit a number of faculties and research areas, including medicine, fine arts, libraries, science and Smartpark, assisting with deferred maintenance to several buildings and making a real difference on both of our campuses."
Canada's Economic Action Plan sets out to stimulate the Canadian economy over the next two years and to improve our long-term competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment, which includes the $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program. This new support is the next substantive investment in the Government of Canada's multi-year Science and Technology Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage.
For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, including program criteria, application instructions and a list of the approved projects to date, please visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
