Canadians will be better equipped for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow, officals say, as a result of a $66.6-million in funding for the University of Guelph.
The federal government’s Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation – one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians, officials say.
This joint federal-provincial investment will support six projects, including research and collaborative spaces for computer science and engineering students and faculty, renewal and renovation of the MacNaughton Building, dedicated centre for bio-carbon innovation and commercialization, Research Collaboratory: McLaughlin Library Renewal and Renovation, University of Guelph Production Animal Research Isolation Unit and University of Guelph Food Innovation Centre which will position Guelph as one of Canada’s premier research and innovation institutions.
“These infrastructure investments will help the University of Guelph develop creative and entrepreneurial citizens, lead in science and technology, provide innovation infrastructure, and support a business environment for commercialization and growth,” said Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield.
“These are mutual goals with the Government of Canada that can help the middle class grow and prosper today, while also delivering sustained economic growth for years to come.
Of the $66.6-million investment, $26.2M will come from the federal government and $4.7M from the Government of Ontario. The University of Guelph will contribute an additional $35.7M.
The funding from the federal government is being allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.
Ontario’s contributions to these projects are part of the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history – about $160 billion over 12 years, which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province.
“This critical investment will allow us to expand our world-class facilities and the reach and impact of U of G innovations,” said Dr. Franco Vaccarino, president and vice-chancellor at the University of Guelph. “The new spaces and resources will also facilitate the exchange of new ideas and opportunities, providing benefits for decades to come.
“Today’s announcement means our students will have access to state-of-the art facilities, enabling research, collaboration and innovation. It will have positive economic, scientific, environmental and societal benefits in Canada and beyond.”
