MONCTON, New Brunswick, June 4, 2009 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced that Atlantic Baptist University will be able to expand its campus facilities, build a new education centre, renovate University Hall and expand its library thanks to funding from the federal government's Knowledge Infrastructure Program. The University will receive $6 million from the Government of Canada, which will leverage a matching investment from the Province, and a $12-million investment from other contributors for a total of $24 million.
"The Government of Canada is making an investment in New Brunswick to stimulate our local economies through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program," said Rob Moore, Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal. "This initiative to renew infrastructure at Atlantic Baptist University will put many people to work in this region."
This is part of a province-wide announcement of $49 million in federal funding that leverages over $128.8 million over two years, including $105.8 million in provincial funding, as well as over $23 million in funding from other sources.
"We are pleased that Atlantic Baptist University is receiving funding for a much-needed expansion," said the Honourable Donald Arseneault, New Brunswick Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. "The University plays an important economic and educational role in the greater Moncton area." Minister Arseneault attended the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Victor Boudreau , New Brunswick Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.
As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year $2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, including universities and community colleges. Today's announcement celebrates the projects that qualify under the program in New Brunswick.
"Our government's investment, through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, provides significant short-term economic stimulus into local communities throughout New Brunswick, while strengthening Canada's long-term capacity for research and innovation," said Minister Clement. "The renewal of these post-secondary facilities will encourage world-class researchers to work with the tools they need for the discoveries that can benefit all Canadians."
The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. It is also helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada's research and educational facilities at the forefront of scientific advancement.
"Today's investments will ensure Atlantic Baptist University has adequate infrastructure to serve its ever-growing student population," said Chris Collins, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Moncton East.
Canada's Economic Action Plan sets out to stimulate the Canadian economy over the next two years and to improve the country's long-term competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment, which includes the $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program. This new support is the next substantive investment in the Government of Canada's multi-year Science and Technology Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage .
For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, including program criteria, application instructions and a list of the approved projects to date, please visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure .
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca .
For further information (media only), please contact:
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is a two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at post-secondary institutions across Canada.
The Program provides funding to support deferred maintenance, repair and expansion projects at universities and colleges, and responds directly to the need indicated by post-secondary institutions to improve existing campus infrastructure across the country. A major portion of this infrastructure is near the end of its projected lifecycle and, in many cases, does not adequately meet the needs of today's research and teaching activities.
The Program has two components. The university component gives preference to projects that can improve the quality of research and development at the institution. The college component supports projects at other post-secondary institutions, such as colleges, publicly funded polytechnic schools and institutes of technology, which will strengthen their ability to deliver advanced knowledge and skills training.
Projects are assessed according to their ability to quickly and effectively generate economic activity and support job creation. Project readiness and economic impact are, therefore, key criteria used in project selection. Projects are also assessed on their ability to enhance research capacity, support the attraction of new students and provide a better educational experience for the highly skilled workers of tomorrow.
The Program will not only generate economic benefits and support job creation, but will also have an important positive net impact on the environment by reducing energy use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving waste management at universities and colleges across Canada.
Knowledge Infrastructure Program Investments in the Atlantic Baptist University
Through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, the federal government is investing $6 million in infrastructure funding in the Atlantic Baptist University, with the Province of New Brunswick providing an additional $6 million, and another $12 million coming from the University itself.
For information about the project, please contact the Atlantic Baptist University.
