Canada and Alberta invest in infrastructure at Mount Royal University
News Release
$5-million investment will create jobs, expand research and foster innovation
April 27, 2017 – Calgary, Alberta – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
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 federal-provincial investment of $5-million in Mount Royal University will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.
The funding was announced by the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan 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.
Mount Royal University will use the funding to upgrade the energy and ventilation systems in its main campus building, reducing energy use, cutting operating costs, and making a more comfortable space for teachers and students. The investment will also allow the university to renovate existing facilities to improve their environmental sustainability, as well as create the new Social Innovation Hub. This hub will provide working and learning space where businesses and organizations with a strong social purpose will come together to learn, to innovate and to collaborate on projects.
Funding for Mount Royal University includes:
- $3 million from the Government of Canada;
- $2 million from the Province of Alberta; and
- $1 million from the university and other donors.
The total investment from all funding partners is $6 million.
In total, universities and colleges throughout Alberta will receive over $500 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.
Quotes
“This historic investment by the Government of Canada is a 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 middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes.”
– The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
“These significant investments help Alberta students put their best foot forward by maximizing the number of new, modernized learning spaces, while also creating much needed jobs to spur economic growth.”
– The Honourable Marlin Schmidt, Alberta Minister of Advanced Education
“Mount Royal University is grateful to receive this generous funding. By upgrading our mechanical infrastructure, we can create energy efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint. Through our Social Innovation Hub, we can bring students, businesses and non-profit organizations together to create positive change in our community. This funding makes it all possible.”
– David Docherty, PhD, President, Mount Royal University
Quick Facts
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The Government of Canada is providing more than $225 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Alberta. Mount Royal University has been awarded $3 million by the federal government for renovations and upgrades.
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This investment supports Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan, which 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.
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The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
Associated Links
Contacts
Karl W. Sasseville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
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