Government funding fuels scientific innovation at Memorial University
News Release
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, June 23, 2016
The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador demonstrated their ongoing support for scientific innovation and post-secondary education today by announcing $125 million in joint funding for the Core Science Facility project at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista–Burin–Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, made the announcement today at the Smallwood University Centre. Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University, hosted the event.
The project was conceived to promote inter- and multi-disciplinary approaches to science and foster collaboration, in particular, between the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering. The new facility will include new research and laboratory teaching spaces, an adaptable shell space for university and industry collaborations, offices and meeting rooms, and a series of open public spaces to encourage group discussion and academic partnership.
Once complete, the new Core Science Facility will greatly contribute to creating a more contemporary and integrated learning and research environment that fosters inventive scientific thinking and practices. By allowing the university to advance new teaching and research mandates, the new infrastructure will also support student and faculty recruitment and retention initiatives.
The total estimated global project budget is $325 million, with $99,855,277 coming from the Government of Canada through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component–National and Regional Projects, and $25,144,723 coming from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Memorial University will be responsible for the remaining project costs.
Quotations
"Our government has been working diligently with the federal government to advance infrastructure projects for the province and I am very pleased that our federal colleagues have recognized Memorial University and the Core Science Facility as a project worthy of such a substantial investment. Infrastructure spending helps ensure economic development and prosperity for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."
- The Honourable Dwight Ball,
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
"This funding highlights the federal government’s commitment to increasing Canada’s scientific excellence. The Government of Canada understands that research and innovation are essential to a competitive, thriving economy, as well as to developing the knowledge and tools required to build sustainable communities that meet the needs of Canadians for generations to come"
- The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista–Burin–Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"On behalf of the entire Memorial University community, I extend my sincere thanks to the federal and provincial governments for their incredible support for our university. This state-of-the-art core science facility will enable us to deliver on our commitment to the people of this province to provide excellence in teaching and learning, research and public engagement. It will provide the best education for undergraduate and graduate students in a collaborative learning environment and allow Memorial to continue to produce and deliver research of national and international calibre."
- Dr. Gary Kachanoski,
president and vice-chancellor, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Associated links
- To see details about Government of Canada infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- To learn more about: Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada’s new $120 billion infrastructure plan.
Sources
Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure
and Communities
613-219-0149
Nancy O’Connor
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-689-1825
nancyoconnor@gov.nl.ca
Dave Sorensen
Manager, Communications
Memorial University
709-864-2143
sorensen@mun.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web site: Infrastructure Canada
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