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

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - March 15, 2011) - The Honourable Laurie Hawn, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), was at King's University College in Edmonton today to tour the institution's new research and computer laboratories, which will provide enhanced environmental science research opportunities for faculty and students. 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 Mr. Hawn. "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 created local jobs and helped improve King's University College's research infrastructure, providing benefits now and for years to come."

The project received a Government of Canada investment of $947,500 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.

Federal support helped the college renovate its facilities and clear the way for the creation of a number of new science research laboratories and the purchase of modern equipment for these facilities. The new labs will be devoted to forest conservation, climate change and oil sands research, among other areas of study. The college also renovated its campus library and created a computer lab, which has doubled the number of terminals accessible to students. The campus's wireless network was also upgraded and its student services were consolidated in a newly constructed student corridor.

"The King's University College's Knowledge Infrastructure Program project greatly enhanced the quality of facilities and infrastructure, which are vital to supporting a climate of innovation and discovery on campus," said Dr. Harry Fernhout, President of King's University College.

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).