AUCC welcomes quick delivery of knowledge infrastructure funding

Ottawa, March 10, 2009

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada is very pleased to see the timely launch of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program by Industry Canada.

“This funding program will be good news for local economies across Canada in communities where universities are already major employers,” said Claire Morris, president and CEO of AUCC. “Canadian universities are looking forward to playing a leading role in this part of the federal economic stimulus plan.”

AUCC is confident universities across the country can have project proposals submitted to Industry Canada by the March 30th deadline. Many of these projects are maintenance priorities that universities have deferred for years because of a lack of funding and work can begin very quickly once funding is approved. These projects will create thousands of jobs in dozens of communities.

AUCC is also pleased that the funding can be used for a wide range of projects supporting research and development activities for faculty and students in a broad range of disciplines. Project proposals could include upgrading laboratories, major renovations to business and IT faculty buildings and retrofitting science and humanities buildings to make them more energy efficient.

University infrastructure projects support the federal S & T strategy by enhancing Canada’s knowledge and people advantage. Criteria for obtaining funding include an emphasis on increasing the capacity to train students in advanced knowledge areas, updating research space, improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions. All universities should be able to apply for this funding.

Universities are ready to work with provinces to determine priority projects that are ‘shovel-ready’ and will meet the criteria outlined by Industry Canada.

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AUCC is the national voice for Canada’s universities representing 94 public and not-for-profit private universities and degree-granting colleges.

For more information, please contact:

Leslie Cole
Assistant Director of Communications
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada