VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 23, 2012) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, today held a roundtable discussion with the city's business leaders, toured the Vancouver Island Technology Park and celebrated the recently completed Knowledge Infrastructure Program upgrades to the University of Victoria campus.

"Our government's support for science and technology, through programs like the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, has both made a difference in the short term and set the stage for future prosperity," said Minister of State Goodyear. "The investment at the University of Victoria created jobs for people on Vancouver Island at a critical time, while making improvements that the university will need to maintain its reputation as a research leader."

The government's investment of $20.9 million resulted in six newly refurbished University of Victoria buildings that now boast more research and laboratory space as well as numerous energy-efficient upgrades.

Minister of State Goodyear held a roundtable discussion with city business leaders at the offices of the Victoria Advanced Technology Council. Following the meeting, the Minister of State met with entrepreneurs and researchers on a tour of the Vancouver Island Technology Park.

Minister of State Goodyear's visit to Victoria precedes his trip to Vancouver in February where he will take part in the official opening of the Canada Pavilion at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference.

For more information on the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, visit the Knowledge Infrastructure Program website (www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure).

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