OREANDA-NEWS. September 07, 2016. 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 \\$14.4-million investment at Memorial University of Newfoundland 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 Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, 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 \\$14.4 million to replace two of Memorial University's current aging animal research care facilities. This will ensure the university can continue to conduct its biomedical research activities and to offer certified degree programs. Memorial University will provide an additional \\$15.6 million for this project.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will receive more than \\$85.2 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.

On July 4, 2016, the Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic provinces launched the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including supporting key infrastructure projects that support long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Today's announcement builds on this commitment.

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. Investments like this also support our Atlantic Growth Strategy, designed to stimulate the region's economy and address its challenges while building on Atlantic Canada's competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem and skilled workforce."

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

"Through the Strategic Investment Fund, our government is supporting innovation to help improve opportunities for business, create jobs in the Atlantic Canada region and contribute to Atlantic Canada's reputation as an innovation hub. Projects like this one contribute to building a vibrant economic future by helping grow the middle class and support industry both in Atlantic Canada and in communities across the country."

– The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"The Strategic Investment Fund builds on the federal government's ongoing partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and will help Memorial University strengthen its capacity for research and attract and retain top talent. This investment in infrastructure is also an? investment in Newfoundland and Labrador's next generation of students and will support economic development for years to come."

– The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

"A robust research and development community is vital to the future prosperity of Newfoundland and Labrador, and to Canada as a whole. By constructing and renovating our research infrastructure to help prepare young people for the jobs of the future, the Government of Canada—in partnership with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University of Newfoundland and others—is investing wisely in this future prosperity."

– Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John's East

"I thank the federal government for its continued strong support of Memorial University and the important work we do here. Animal care facilities are the backbone of much research that happens at universities. A new centre will have a tremendous impact on teaching, learning, research and outreach capacities across many disciplines. Supporting biomedical research and public engagement aimed primarily at Newfoundland and Labrador but with potential global impact, these investments translate into incredibly good news for the province and the world."

– Dr. Gary Kachanoski, President and Vice-Chancellor, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada is providing more than \\$33.3 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Newfoundland and Labrador. Memorial University has been awarded \\$14.4 million for this project.
  • 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.
  • On July 4, 2016, the Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic provinces unveiled the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a homegrown, prosperity-focused and evidence-based strategy to stimulate the region's economy and address both long-standing and emerging regional challenges.
  • The Atlantic Growth Strategy is aimed at stimulating economic growth in the region by focusing joint federal and provincial efforts and resources on the following five main areas of action: skilled workforce/immigration, innovation, clean growth and climate change, trade and investment, and infrastructure.
  • As part of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, both levels of government will work together on key infrastructure projects.