Minister Bains marks completion of 10 projects to improve facilities at University of Alberta Français
Federal investment of more than $56 million is creating jobs, expanding research and fostering innovation in Edmonton
EDMONTON, Oct. 11, 2018 /CNW/ - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Ten construction and modernization projects at the University of Alberta are now completed. The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, was at the university to mark the occasion. Minister Bains was joined by the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, and Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre.
The University of Alberta received a Government of Canada investment of more than $56 million through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund for 10 redevelopment and construction projects. The projects included renewing and improving lab spaces; creating the Industry Engagement Facility, a new makerspace; and upgrading the IT network. These improvements and spaces will help students turn their discoveries into products and services.
Building state-of-the-art facilities, labs and modern learning spaces is essential for skills development and innovation. That's why the federal government invested $2 billion in 300 projects under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to renew university and college campuses across the country. The fund also supported energy efficiency improvements to lab facilities to help reduce their impact on the environment.
As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers are working in state-of-the-art facilities to advance research and innovation in Canada. They are collaborating in specially designed spaces and working in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they are training for—and creating—the high-value jobs of the future.
The Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. Today's announcement is a prime example of that vision in action.
The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund helped jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation and create the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.
Quotes
"Our government firmly believes the path to a better life for middle-class Canadians is through innovation, research and skills development. Today, I got to see in person how our government's $56-million investment has helped support 10 projects at the University of Alberta to modernize the learning spaces that empower students to turn their research into discoveries, their ideas into technologies and their skills into good jobs."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"The Government of Canada's investment in the University of Alberta is creating the right conditions for innovation and long-term growth, which will keep the Canadian economy globally competitive. It's not only about creating jobs today; we are helping prepare young Canadians for the well-paying middle-class jobs of tomorrow."
– The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources
"Encouraging scientific awareness in Edmonton and throughout Canada depends on supporting our world-class scientists and researchers. Through investments such as those under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, we are continuing to lay the groundwork for making Canada a global leader in scientific excellence."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada invested $56.25 million in these projects through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, and the remaining $78.85 million was provided by the Government of Alberta ($26.54 million) and the institution ($52.31 million).
- The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund are promoting economic activity across Canada and helping Canada's universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
- The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund also supported the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
- Budget 2018 proposed a historic investment of nearly $4 billion in research, researchers and needed equipment.
- The Innovation and Skills Plan is helping grow the economy, creating middle-class jobs—2 million more in science- and tech-related fields by 2025—and providing Canadians with the skills they need to succeed.
Associated links
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Nilani Logeswaran, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2849; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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