Department of Industry of Canada : Government of Canada invests in infrastructure at St. Mary's University

$395,525 investment will create jobs, expand research and foster innovation

January 26, 2017 - Calgary, Alberta - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today, the Government of Canada is investing $395,525 for a total combined investment of $807,501 in St. Mary's University, which will help foster the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced by the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Canada's Innovation Agenda 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. This investment exemplifies that vision in action.

St. Mary's University will use the funding to upgrade its library and biology and chemistry labs. Upgrades to the library will improve research, study and collaboration spaces, as well as increase capacity. The renovations to the science labs will improve the safety, research capacity and energy efficiency of the facilities.

Funding for these two projects includes:

• $395,525 from the Government of Canada; and
• $411,976 from St. Mary's University.

Funding from the Government of Canada and St. Mary's University totals $807,501.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Alberta will receive over $500 million from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

Quotes

'This historic investment by the Government of Canada is a down payment on the government's vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes.'

- The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

'St. Mary's University is grateful to be receiving funding to increase research and teaching capacity on campus. Structural upgrades to the biology and chemistry laboratories will significantly increase the scope and robustness of research and teaching. The installation of mobile shelving in the library and the creation of a new reading room for special collections will maximize space for collaborative learning, research and teaching.'

- Dr. Tara Hyland-Russell, Vice-President Academic and Dean, St. Mary's University

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is providing more than $225 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Alberta. St. Mary's University has been awarded $395,525 by the federal government to upgrade its library and biology and chemistry labs.
• This investment supports Canada's Innovation Agenda, which is designed to ensure our country is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
• The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

Contacts

Philip Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
[e-mail]