Support for innovation to create jobs, expand research and foster innovation

An investment of $1.1 billion for post-secondary facilities in Quebec

December 16, 2016 – Montréal, Quebec – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and Philippe Couillard, Premier of Quebec, announced today a historic investment to help equip young Quebeckers with the quality post-secondary education that will help them achieve their goals.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Quebec will receive nearly $1.1 billion 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, improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities and help youth join a strong and healthy middle class.

The Government of Quebec announced the 2016-2026 Québec Infrastructure Plan that includes investments in all sectors of the economy, including those in higher education.

Among the projects being undertaken at the Université de Montréal is the building of a new science complex at the Outremont campus. The new complex will serve as a multidisciplinary centre for research and science education at the school, giving researchers more opportunities to collaborate on major scientific and technological research initiatives. Of the total investment for this new facility,

• $145 million is being provided by the Government of Quebec;
• $119.03 million is being provided by the Université de Montréal; and
• $84.23 million is being provided by the Government of Canada.

This new complex is just one of 10 projects announced today that are being funded at the Université de Montréal and its affiliated institutions. In total, the Government of Canada and the Province of Quebec are providing a combined investment of $259.02 million for these projects at the university and its affiliated institutions. This includes:

• $160.31 million from the Government of Quebec; and
• $98.71 million from the Government of Canada.

As a result of these investments in Quebec, 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, well-paying middle-class jobs of the future. Their work and discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

Quotes

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is providing more than $385 million for research infrastructure at institutions throughout Quebec.
• The Government of Quebec is providing more than $345 million for research infrastructure at institutions throughout Quebec.
• The post-secondary institutions along with the private donors are providing more than $361 million for research infrastructure at institutions throughout Quebec.
• The Université de Montréal and its affiliated institutions have been awarded $98.71 million in federal funding through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.
• 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.
• Canada's Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure our country 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.

Associated links

• Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website
• 2016-2026 Québec Infrastructure Plan (in French only)
• Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder – List of projects at the Université de Montréal
• Innovation Agenda backgrounder

Contacts

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

Thierry Bélair
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Higher Education
Government of Quebec
418-266-3255

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