$12.13-million investment in infrastructure at the Université de Sherbrooke to improve research and innovation

SHERBROOKE, QC, Feb. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, along with Hélène David, Quebec Minister responsible for Higher Education, today announced a historic investment to help equip young Quebeckers with the quality post-secondary education that will help them achieve their goals.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec will invest $9.28 million in three projects at the Université de Sherbrooke, for a total combined investment of $12.13 million. The funding will help the institution provide the training required to access the high-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

The Government of Quebec's contribution is part of the Québec Infrastructure Plan, which sets out investments in all sectors of the economy, including those in higher education.

The funding will allow the Université de Sherbrooke to improve the energy efficiency of its research buildings, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs. The university will also invest in two solar power plants to boost the production of renewable energy for its research buildings. Finally, a portion of the funding will go to the hydrology, hydraulics and environment research complex.

Of the $12.13 million investment in these projects:

• the Government of Canada will provide $5.80 million;
• the Government of Quebec will provide $3.48 million; and
• the university and other partners will provide $2.85 million.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Quebec will receive nearly $1.1 billion from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors.

As a result of these investments in Quebec, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country's best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and create—the high-value middle-class jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

Quotes

"This historic investment by the Government of Canada is a down payment on the government's vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes."

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"The Université de Sherbrooke is a source of pride for our region. This funding will help the university remain a leader in sustainable development and innovation, both nationally and on the world stage."

– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

"Our government will continue to invest time and money in our students' success, and that's why we're together today. Our commitment is clear: do everything possible to help our students and professors accomplish great things. We are making significant investments in the development of our higher education facilities, thereby ensuring that future generations have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure."

– Hélène David, Quebec Minister responsible for Higher Education

"By upgrading infrastructure at the Université de Sherbrooke, we are ensuring that the institution continues to play a key role in the region and remains a source of pride for the whole community. The investment announced today will make the training and learning environment at this institution even more stimulating. These projects will, without a doubt, help maintain and extend the appeal of the Estrie region while fostering knowledge and innovation. I am excited for the students and professors."

– Luc Fortin, Member for Sherbrooke and Minister responsible for the Estrie region

"The projects announced this morning will contribute to the development of research and training in water and energy management, which are two of the Université de Sherbrooke's priorities. They will enable us to create technological and social showcases in line with the transportation and renewable energy stream of our institution's innovation, partnership and entrepreneurship strategy."

– Luce Samoisette, Rector and Professor, Université de Sherbrooke

Quick facts

• The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, recently announced that the federal government is providing more than $385 million for research infrastructure at institutions throughout Quebec.
• Philippe Couillard, Premier of Quebec, and Hélène David, Minister responsible for Higher Education, recently announced that the Government of Quebec would invest more than $345 million for research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions in Quebec.
• The Université de Sherbrooke has been awarded $5.80 million in federal funding under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, as well as a contribution of $3.48 million from the Government of Quebec through the Québec Infrastructure Plan.
• The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help 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 supports the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
• Canada's Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure our country is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.

Associated links

• Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website
• Innovation Agenda backgrounder
• Strategic Investment Fund interactive map, Quebec ministry of education and higher education (in French)

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Pauline Tam, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500; Thierry Bélair, Press Secretary, Office of the Quebec Minister responsible for Higher Education, 418-266-3255; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]; Anne Simard, Political Attaché (Communications), Luc Fortin, Member for Sherbrooke and Minister responsible for the Estrie region, 819-434-3025