Governments of Canada and Ontario announce Knowledge Infrastructure projects
underway: Grand opening celebration at Humber College

TORONTO , Nov. 30 /CNW/ - Lois Brown , MP for Newmarket-Aurora, Laurel Broten , MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore and Humber College President John Davies , today celebrated the grand opening of the new Centre for Justice Leadership .

Located on Humber's Lakeshore Campus, the Centre for Justice Leadership offers the latest technology-based learning environment for crime scene and criminal investigation along with justice leadership and conflict resolution training. The 18,000 square foot (1,670 square metres) "CSI" Centre features a crime scene investigation studio, evidence processing studio, interview rooms and leading-edge forensic equipment. The centre will be home to Humber's new four-year Criminal Justice Degree , Police Foundations and Community & Justice programs, and will also be used by professional law enforcement officers seeking to upgrade their skills and field training.

Humber College received federal and provincial funding totalling $35 million for projects at its Lakeshore Campus through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and Ontario's 2009 Budget. In addition to the construction of the new Centre for Justice Leadership , the funding will support the repurposing of a recently acquired building to house performing arts and media production programs and the replacement of a campus building with a new 83,700 square foot (7,775 square metres) instructional facility. Enrolment in programs offered at the Lakeshore Campus is expected to grow by over 3,000 over the next 10 years.

In total, the governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $1.5 billion in 49 projects at Ontario's colleges and universities, through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) and the Ontario 2009 Budget.

"Through the renewal of college and university facilities, our researchers will have the tools they need to be global leaders in their fields and pursue world-class excellence," said Member of Parliament, Lois Brown . "Attracting and retaining workers who drive innovation and growth in the global knowledge economy strengthens Canada's position as a world leader in science and technology to the benefit of all Canadians."

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year, $2 billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions is part of the $12 billion in new infrastructure investment allocated under Canada's Economic Action Plan.

The program is providing real economic stimulus and employment by creating local jobs for engineers, architects, trades people and technicians. It is also helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada's research and educational facilities at the forefront of scientific advancement.

"The opening of the new Centre for Justice Studies is strengthening our local economy and revitalizing the Lakeshore," said Laurel Broten , MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore. "Etobicoke-Lakeshore's students, young people and families will benefit now and into the future because of this investment."

The Government of Ontario, in its 2009 budget - Confronting the Challenge: Building Ontario's Economic Future, is committed to investing in infrastructure and has designated $780 million to colleges and universities to modernize facilities and boost long-term research and skills training capacity over the next two years.

"The Centre for Justice Leadership will produce some of the best trained professionals in law enforcement and criminology. Students and working professionals will learn and upgrade their skills on leading-edge equipment from expert faculty," said John Davies , president, Humber College. "We are grateful to the Ontario government for providing $30 million and the federal government for giving $5 million in funding for new building and revitalization projects that allow us to provide students with a quality educational experience and prepare them for the jobs of the future."

For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, including program criteria, application instructions and a list of the approved projects to date, please visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.

For information about how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province, please visit www.mei.gov.on.ca/en/infrastructure.

For further information: (media only), please contact: Media Relations, Industry Canada, [phone]; Lynn Meahan, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, [phone]; Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities: Tanya Blazina, Senior Media Relations, [phone], [email protected]; Humber College: Andrew Leopold, Associate Director, Communications, [phone] ext. 4296, [phone], [email protected]