Minister Chagger celebrates completion of project to improve facilities at Wilfrid Laurier University
News release
Federal investment creating jobs, expanding research and fostering innovation in Waterloo
March 11, 2019 – Waterloo, Ontario
Construction and modernization of facilities at Wilfrid Laurier University are completed. The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Waterloo, was at the university today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, to mark the occasion.
Wilfrid Laurier University received an investment of $14.4 million through the Government of Canada’s Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund for projects that are helping transform the campus and improving learning facilities for students. The Laurier Energy Efficiency Project uses a number of conservation measures to reduce energy consumption, while the development of Lazaridis Hall and refurbishment of the Peters Building include a state-of-the-art finance lab to train entrepreneurs, start-ups and management leaders in technology and finance.
Building world-class facilities, labs and modern learning spaces is essential for skills and innovation. That’s why the Government invested $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.
Quotes
“Our government’s investments will allow Wilfrid Laurier University to become a post-secondary leader in sustainable energy management across Canada. We recognize the importance of advancing research and innovation and are taking steps to do so.”
— The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Waterloo
“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
“Encouraging scientific awareness in Waterloo 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
“The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is an investment in student success, research and innovation. The development of Laurier’s Lazaridis Hall and refurbishment of the Peters Building provides much-needed, modern space for study, work and collaboration. Within these walls, the next generation of learners, teachers and entrepreneurs will work to improve our communities and drive economic growth.”
— Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Wilfrid Laurier University
Quick facts
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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.
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The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is supporting the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
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Budget 2018 proposed a historic investment of nearly $4 billion in research, researchers and needed equipment.
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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
Dani Keenan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-1710
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
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