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

SACKVILLE, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - March 18, 2011) - The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), was at Mount Allison University in Sackville today to officially reopen the renovated Barclay Chemistry Building, which has newly refurbished classrooms and a number of interior and exterior improvements that will extend the life of the facility. This work 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 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 Mount Allison University's research infrastructure, providing benefits now and for years to come."

The project received a Government of Canada investment of $2 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 $2.2 million to the project.

The renovations to the Barclay Chemistry Building resulted in several interior and exterior improvements that will extend the life of the facility, including mechanical and electrical upgrades, refurbished classes and washrooms, and a new roof. In addition, a major upgrade and consolidation of the building's exhaust system was completed.

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).