Government of Canada Invests in Post-Secondary Infrastructure in Saskatchewan

$30.1-million investment will create jobs, expand research and foster innovation


REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - Aug. 19, 2016) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today's $30.1-million investment at the University of Regina and Parkland College will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation-one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action and will help create the well-paying middle-class jobs of tomorrow.

The funding includes $27.6 million for renovations to the university's 100-year-old College Avenue Campus, which will be modernized to support research and innovation. The renovated campus will also provide a home for the new Canadian Institute for Science and Innovation Policy, which aims to enhance the university's policy strengths in areas such as energy, digital analytics, bioscience and food security, water security, and health. An additional $2.4 million is also being provided for a separate project to upgrade a laboratory building on campus. The University of Regina will contribute $34.8 million to these two projects.

Parkland College is receiving $100,000 to have an electrical and pressurized water system installed at its emergency services training site.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Saskatchewan will receive close to $137 million from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country's best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for-and create-the high-value, middle-class jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

Quotes

"This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government's vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Investments like these in Saskatchewan will position Canada as a global leader in research excellence and innovation. Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are providing the next generation of Canadians with modern facilities where they can gain the training, the knowledge and the skills they will need to prosper."

- The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Investments in the infrastructure of our post-secondary system help our students and support our economy. The projects being funded will generate direct economic activity in communities around Saskatchewan and improve the quality of facilities at the institutions for our students."

- The Honourable Scott Moe, Saskatchewan's Minister of Advanced Education

"The funding announced today demonstrates a significant commitment to post-secondary education in our province. The federal government's investment in infrastructure on our campus will help us meet the growing needs of our current and future students, faculty and researchers. The investment in the renewal of our historic College Avenue Campus and in the Laboratory Building on our main campus will breathe new life into aging facilities, enabling us to continue to advance our commitment to teaching, research and community service."

- Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Regina

"This investment helps to ensure the continued success of Parkland College's emergency services programming. By upgrading our training site, we are able to improve the learning experience for our students and industrial partners."

- Dwayne Reeve, President, Parkland College

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada is providing more than $63 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Saskatchewan. The University of Regina has been awarded $30 million for two projects. Parkland College has been awarded $100,000.
  • The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
  • The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada's universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
  • The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website

Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder

Innovation Agenda backgrounder

Follow Minister Bains on social media.

Twitter: @MinisterISED

Instagram: ministerised

Contact Information:

Philip Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and
Economic Development
343-291-2500

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca