Advanced Education Minister McGifford, Rod Bruinooge, MP, Announce Over $40 Million of Investment at University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, May 21, 2009 — On behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, along with the Honourable Diane McGifford, Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy, today announced a Knowledge Infrastructure Program investment of more than $40 million for the University of Manitoba.
This investment is part of the federal government’s two-year, $2-billion plan to repair and expand research and educational facilities at Canadian colleges and universities. The program is helping to provide economic stimulus by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. It is also helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada’s colleges and universities at the forefront of scientific advancement.
“Our government has shown a clear commitment to post secondary institutions and I am pleased to see further investment in the University of Manitoba,” said Bruinooge, Chair of the Conservative Post-Secondary Education Caucus. “This investment not only benefits the university; it will also provide a significant short-term economic stimulus to south Winnipeg.”
The federal government has awarded The University of Manitoba $20 million through the program. The university will receive $15 million for the Art Research Technology (ART) Lab; $2.5 million for Smartpark Lake 2 Infrastructure Development; and $2.5 million for the Space Renovation and Development for the Regenerative Medicine Program.
The province is contributing $18.5 million to the ART Lab and $2.5 million toward the Space Renovation and Development for the Regenerative Medicine Program. The Smartpark development is further supported with $27 million in private contributions.
“Today's $21-million provincial investment will enhance the University of Manitoba's already well-established national and international reputation for advanced learning and research,” said McGifford. “It will give undergraduates, graduates and faculty improved access to dynamic digital technologies and upgraded spaces to carry out cutting-edge research in areas as diverse as engineering, biotechnology and agriculture. It will ensure that Manitoba remains competitive in the context of an increasingly knowledge-based international economy.”
“Improving the university’s infrastructure is key to ensuring that our students and staff have the facilities and technology they need to discover, innovate and succeed in their work,'” said Dr. David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba. “We are pleased to work together with all orders of government and very much appreciate their support.”
For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, including program criteria and application instructions, please visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.
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