Harper Government Celebrates Economic Action Plan Investments in Canada's Knowledge Economy

MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - March 15, 2011) - The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), was at the Université de Moncton today to officially reopen the Rémi Rossignol Building, which has undergone extensive renewal to ensure its labs and classes meet modern standards. This project is part of the Harper Government's investment in the renewal and expansion of laboratories, learning commons and student facilities at colleges and universities across Canada.

"The economy remains our government's top priority," said Minister of State Moore. "Through the Economic Action Plan, we are investing in research and training facilities at campuses across the country to create jobs, help our economy recover quickly and improve the quality of life of Canadians. This investment created local jobs and helped improve the Université de Moncton's research infrastructure, providing benefits now and for years to come."

The project received a Government of Canada investment of $2.4 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, an important job creation program launched in 2009 to help respond to the global economic recession, under Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Government of New Brunswick contributed $3 million to the project.

The project to renew the Rémi Rossignol Building involved renovations to a number of research labs, classrooms, lecture halls and offices. The building, which houses the university's faculty of science, was built in 1964 and was reaching the end of its practical life cycle. The newly refurbished building will allow science students to continue their health studies and research in modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

"We are very pleased to have partnered in this important project, which is allowing the Université de Moncton to enhance its training of young scientists and its research and development capabilities," said the Honourable Martine Coulombe, New Brunswick's Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. "Science graduates will be better equipped as they enter the workforce and actively contribute to the knowledge economy of our province."

"We are grateful to the governments of Canada and New Brunswick for their outstanding cooperation through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program," said Yvon Fontaine, Rector of the Université de Moncton. "The renovation of the Rémi Rossignol Building is giving a new lease on life to the laboratories where very high-level research is performed and to the lecture halls where our students are educated."

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

Canada's Economic Action Plan is investing in Canada's universities and colleges to develop, attract and retain the world's best and brightest researchers. The government's actions will strengthen Canada's position as a leading destination for the world's top research talent.

For more information on the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, visit the Knowledge Infrastructure Program website (www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/home).

For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit the Canada's Economic Action Plan website (www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp).