Minister Duncan marks completion of a new science facility at the University of Ottawa

News release

Federal investment of more than $51 million is creating jobs, expanding research and fostering innovation in Ottawa

September 20, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario

Building state-of-the-art facilities, labs and modern learning spaces is essential for skills and innovation. They ensure students and researchers at post-secondary institutions are prepared for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class.

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, was at the University of Ottawa today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, to mark the completion of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Complex at the University of Ottawa.

The University of Ottawa received an investment of over $51 million through the Government of Canada’s Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to construct the STEM Complex. This innovation hub will support entrepreneurship activities by providing students and researchers with access to critical business development expertise. The Complex was built to the highest environmental standards and will advance Canada's climate change and sustainability goals.

The Government invested a total of $2 billion in 300 projects under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to renew university and college campuses across the country. The Fund also supports improved energy efficiency of lab facilities to help reduce their impact on the environment.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities to advance research and innovation in Canada. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces and 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 jobs of the future.

The Government of 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. Today’s announcement is a prime example of that vision in action.

Quotes

“Fostering scientific discoveries and breakthroughs in Ottawa and throughout Canada depends on supporting our world-class scientists and researchers. Through investments such as those under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, we are continuing to lay the groundwork for making Canada a global leader in scientific excellence.”

– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport

“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. This means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes.”

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

“Given that the STEM Complex will nurture interdisciplinary cooperation, the exchange of ideas and research breakthroughs, this facility will help our university secure its position as one of Canada’s top research universities. This strategic investment will benefit the entire university community and attract the brightest minds to our campus.”

– Jacques Frémont, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ottawa

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada contributed $51.5 million towards this $115-million project. The Province of Ontario invested $6.4 million and the University of Ottawa provided $57.1 million for this project.

  • The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund are promoting economic activity across Canada and helping 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 is supporting the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

  • Budget 2018 proposed a historic investment of nearly $4 billion in research, researchers and needed equipment.

  • The Innovation and Skills Plan is helping grow the economy, creating middle-class jobs—2 million more in science- and tech-related fields by 2025—and providing Canadians with the skills they need to succeed.

Associated links

Contacts

Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA

Nilani Logeswaran
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2849

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

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