FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR KNOWLEDGE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF REGINA

The federal and provincial governments were at the University of Regina today to announce $16.7 million in knowledge infrastructure funding to upgrade and enhance research and educational facilities at the University of Regina. This joint funding will be used specifically for four research and innovation projects.

Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris discussed the provincial government's involvement in this project. "Our government is pleased to partner with the federal government to help bolster the specialized infrastructure needed to keep our research and post-secondary facilities at the forefront for scientific advancement," said Norris. "This provincial investment reflects the government's ongoing commitment to advanced education as we strive to be national leader in post-secondary education and training."

The four projects approved through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program at the University of Regina include:

• Completion of the 5th floor of the Research and Innovations Centre
• Revitalization of teaching/community space within the Education Auditorium
• Mechanical and electrical upgrades to the Lab Building
• Creation of a second computer data centre for Data Security and Research Computing

Federal MP for Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre Tom Lukiwski attended the event and spoke about the federal government's involvement in the program. "Our government is proud to support the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a stimulus measure intended to improve infrastructure at post-secondary institutions across Canada," said Lukiwski. "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. This important program will aid the University of Regina in meeting the needs of today's research and teaching activities."

The University of Regina is excited about the funding going towards the four research and innovation projects. "On behalf of the University of Regina, I want to express our deep appreciation for the commitment by both levels of government in supporting the development of our university," President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina, Dr. Vianne Timmons said. "This funding means we can continue to ensure that our students, researchers and staff have the highest standard of facilities and buildings in which to study and advance the excellence in scholarship for which our University is increasingly renowned."

This funding is part of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, introduced in June 2009, which is a two-year $2-billion program that will provide economic stimulus measures to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, including universities and community colleges. It will result in the creation of jobs for engineers, architects, trades people and technicians.

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For more information, contact:

Marieka Barrie
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170
Email: marieka.barrie@gov.sk.ca