Polytechnics Canada welcomes extension of Knowledge Infrastructure Program

OTTAWA, Dec. 2 /CNW/ - Polytechnics Canada, the association of Canada's largest colleges, institutes and polytechnics, welcomes the announcement made today by the Prime Minister and Ministers Strahl and Clement of the seven month extension of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program.   This program was launched as part of the stimulus funding from the federal government in 2009, and in partnership with the provinces, was specifically designed to renew the capital of the Canadian post-secondary education system.  Innovative and leading edge construction technologies were also integrated into most of the build programs at colleges. This has resulted in updated and upgraded facilities for use by our students whether training for trades or enrolled in undergraduate programs at our member institutions.

"Each of the members of Polytechnics Canada has been able to address their need to increase capacity for their students, facilities and programs because of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program," said Nobina Robinson, CEO of Polytechnics Canada.  Our member colleges have seen vitally needed construction activity for the past eighteen months, which will allow us to deliver state-of-the-art learning for all our students. "The Knowledge Infrastructure Program has helped our member institutions to meet the growing demand for advanced applied education," added Mrs. Robinson. 

"The announcement today by the Government of Canada enables our members to complete the expansion and modernization of their infrastructure in a reasonable and fair manner," said John Davies, President of Humber and Chair of Polytechnics Canada.  "College faculty and administrators, along with facilities staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Knowledge Infrastructure Program funds meet their intended objectives.  Today's announcement recognizes their efforts and ensures a realistic and achievable completion of the projects that are already underway," added Mr. Davies.

Polytechnics Canada is a national alliance of Canada's nine leading research-intensive, publicly-funded colleges and institutes of technology. Located in Canada's key economic regions, the current nine member colleges and institutes of Polytechnics Canada are: Algonquin, BCIT, Conestoga, George Brown, Humber, Olds, SAIT Polytechnic, Seneca, and Sheridan.

For further information:

on the Polytechnic Showcase, interview contacts or to find out more about Polytechnics Canada, please contact:

Ken Doyle, Director of Policy
Polytechnics Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Email: [email protected]
Tel. [phone]