Government of Canada Supports Scientific Research at University of Toronto Mississauga

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 24, 2011) - A new academic centre will allow the University of Toronto Mississauga to keep up with the booming enrolment for its science research programs. The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario), and Bob Dechert, Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Erindale, toured the university's new Instructional Centre and refurbished science research laboratories, which are nearing completion.

"Investing in science and research is vital to Canada's future economic growth," said Minister of State Goodyear. "Our government's support for new research and academic facilities has created jobs, while giving researchers and students the tools they need to become the best in the world."

The project received a Government of Canada investment of $35 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and a matching contribution from the Province of Ontario.

"Our government is committed to making high-quality post-secondary education accessible to Ontarians," said the Honourable John Milloy, Ontario's Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. "These new teaching and lab facilities mark a significant expansion of the University of Toronto's Mississauga Campus that will allow more students in the Mississauga area to get the university education they need to succeed."

The new Instructional Centre includes a 500-seat auditorium, lecture halls, classrooms and computer labs, which will allow the University of Toronto Mississauga to expand its science research programs. The building, built to meet or exceed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, will be equipped with the latest technology, enabling students and professors to connect with learning communities worldwide. Researchers will also be able to take advantage of newly refurbished science laboratories.

"Our government has invested in innovation and infrastructure to improve the quality of life of Canadians and to set the foundation for economic prosperity," said Mr. Dechert. "This investment created jobs for people at a critical time and improved the infrastructure that will benefit the University of Toronto Mississauga for years to come."

Through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, the federal government has invested nearly $800 million in 56 projects in Ontario, while the Government of Ontario and other partners invested an additional $1.4 billion, for a total investment of $2.2 billion.

"We are truly indebted to the government for its tremendous investment in the University of Toronto Mississauga," said Professor Deep Saini, Vice-President and Principal, University of Toronto Mississauga. "Our new Instructional Centre will become a hub for teaching and learning on campus, giving our students much-needed space to study and work collaboratively in a cutting-edge environment."

The Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a $2-billion economic stimulus measure to improve research and training facilities at Canadian universities, colleges and CEGEPs, as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The program has provided economic stimulus, created jobs and generated the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canadian institutions at the forefront of scientific advancement and ensure future economic growth.

This infrastructure project, funded under Canada's Economic Action Plan, is one of 80 being highlighted by members of Parliament at events across Canada today. For more information, visit the Canada's Economic Action Plan website (www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp) and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program website (www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/home).

For information about how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province, please visit its Ministry of Infrastructure website (www.infrastructureapp.mei.gov.on.ca/en). To learn more about the Government of Ontario's Open Ontario Plan, visit the Office of the Premier website (www.ontario.ca/openontario).