Minister of State Goodyear Celebrates Official Opening of Research and Academic Centre at Laurier Brantford

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 21, 2011) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), was joined by Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, and Dave Levac, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brant, at Wilfrid Laurier University's Brantford campus today to officially open the school's Research and Academic Centre. The centre will provide new library, research and advanced teaching space for the campus's growing student population.

The project received a Government of Canada investment of $13 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and $13 million from the Ontario government through the 2009 Budget.

"Investing in science is vital to Canada's future economic growth," said Minister Goodyear. "Our government's support for the new research and teaching facilities has created jobs, while giving researchers and students the tools they need to become the best in the world."

In Ontario, the Knowledge Infrastructure Program represents a total investment of more than $2.2 billion to improve infrastructure at post-secondary institutions. The federal government is investing $798.9 million in 56 local projects, the Province of Ontario is investing $981 million in 49 of them, and other partners are contributing a total of more than $400 million in the program. The Province is providing $75 million for another eight projects.

"Wilfrid Laurier University is establishing a strong presence in Brantford that will improve access to post-secondary education for Brantford and area students, bring important research opportunities and provide an economic boost to this region," said Mr. Levac. "This is a tremendous step forward for the future of our community and helps Wilfrid Laurier University mark an important milestone during its centennial year."

"Laurier Brantford is at the heart of the city's cultural, social and economic revitalization," said Wilfrid Laurier University President and Vice-Chancellor Max Blouw. "This major expansion of Laurier Brantford reflects an important investment in the future growth and prosperity of this community."

The construction of the Research and Academic Centre has resulted in an additional 90,000 square feet of library, research and advanced teaching space for Laurier Brantford, which will allow the campus to expand its student base from 2,600 to 4,000. The building will further cement the university's presence in Brantford's redeveloping downtown core and allow for sustainable prosperity in a community that has faced major challenges in the midst of the recession.

The Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a $2-billion economic stimulus measure to improve research and training facilities at Canadian universities, colleges and CEGEPs, as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. 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 future economic growth.

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).

For information about how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province, visit the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure website (www.infrastructureapp.mei.gov.on.ca/en).

BACKGROUNDER

Knowledge Infrastructure Program

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is a $2-billion economic stimulus measure that was launched in March 2009 to support infrastructure enhancement at post-secondary institutions across Canada.

The Program is providing funding to support deferred maintenance, repair and expansion projects at universities and colleges, responding directly to the need indicated by post-secondary institutions to improve existing campus infrastructure across the country. A major portion of this infrastructure is near the end of its projected life cycle and, in many cases, does not adequately meet the needs of today's research and teaching activities.

Proposals submitted to the program were assessed according to their ability to quickly and effectively generate economic activity and support job creation. Project readiness and economic impact were, therefore, key criteria used in project selection. Projects were also assessed on their ability to enhance research capacity, support the attraction of new students and provide a better educational experience for the highly skilled workers of tomorrow.

Knowledge Infrastructure Program funding was fully committed as of October 23, 2009, providing support for 536 projects across Canada. The Government of Canada is delivering the program in partnership with the provinces and territories, which are providing much of the $3 billion in additional project funding leveraged through the program, bringing total investment to $5 billion.

Projects funded under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program are generating economic benefits and supporting job creation, while improving the quality of research and development at post-secondary institutions and strengthening the ability of institutions to deliver advanced knowledge and skills training. Program funding is also having a positive impact on the environment by reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, improving waste management and enhancing health and safety features at universities and colleges across Canada.