Minister Tassi celebrates infrastructure project to improve facilities at McMaster University

Federal investment of more than $37.5 million is creating jobs, expanding research and fostering innovation in Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON, April 18, 2019 /CNW/ - The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, was at McMaster University today, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, to celebrate the completion of an infrastructure project and tour the renovated facilities.

McMaster University received an investment of more than $37.5 million through the Government of Canada's Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund for the Arthur Bourns Building redevelopment. This project has enriched McMaster's science and engineering research and innovation capacity and has improved energy conservation at the university through the renewal of aging and inefficient labs. As a result of this investment at McMaster, students, teachers and researchers will now work in the best facilities to advance the country's best research.

Building state-of-the-art 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.

Quotes

"Our investments in McMaster University have helped to make McMaster one of Canada's most research-intensive universities. The improvements to the Arthur Bourns Building will help students and researchers advance innovation in our community and across Canada."
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors

"The Arthur Bourns Building renovation at McMaster improves science and engineering research and innovation capacity significantly. It's a great addition that will help to provide the education and skills that graduates need to get quality jobs and that employers need to grow their businesses and thrive."
- The Honourable Merrilee Fullerton, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities

"McMaster is creating a brighter world through its research, teaching and local and global impact. These amazing new labs and spaces mean our students and researchers will be able to work together in new ways to find answers to the critically important issues facing Canada and our world. Our sincerest thanks to the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario for their outstanding support in making this happen."
- Dr. Patrick Deane, President and Vice Chancellor, McMaster University

Quick facts

    --  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. The
        completion of the infrastructure project being celebrated today is a
        prime example of that vision in action.

Associated links

    --  Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
    --  Innovation and Skills Plan

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada