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

CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND--(Marketwire - March 15, 2011) - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, was at Holland College in Charlottetown today to view the progress on the institution's new Centre for Applied Science and Technology, which will allow the college to expand its health-focused programs. 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 Shea. "Through Canada's 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 is promoting local employment now and will provide the research infrastructure Holland College needs for years to come."

"Development of the new Centre for Applied Science and Technology is a major step forward for Holland," said the Honourable Allan Campbell, Prince Edward Island's Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning. "We are very pleased to partner in this development. It will add so much to our downtown and to the educational experience of students at Holland College."

The project received a Government of Canada investment of $8.5 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 Prince Edward Island matched the federal investment.

The project will allow the college to double the number of students it can accommodate in its bioscience technology, environmental science technology and wildlife conservation technology programs, while also allowing more students to enter other programs such as nursing and paramedicine. The new facility will also allow the college to offer new courses in heritage retrofitting and renewable energy technology.

"Without the assistance of our federal and provincial partners, Holland College would not have been able to embark on this historic expansion and redevelopment project," said Dr. Brian McMillan, President of the College. "The Centre for Applied Science and Technology is a state-of-the-art facility that will enable us to enhance our skilled workforce through the introduction of new programs and the expansion of others."

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).