Minister Wilkinson marks completion of project to improve facilities at Royal Roads University
Federal investment of more than $9 million is creating jobs, expanding research and fostering innovation in Victoria
VICTORIA, Sept. 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Construction of Royal Roads University's (RRU) Sherman Jen Building is completed. The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, was at RRU today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, to mark the occasion.
RRU received an investment of more than $9 million through the Government of Canada's Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to renovate and expand the Sherman Jen Building, formerly the Mews heritage building. The new centre will feature modern teaching spaces as well as enhancements to its original architectural and heritage features. It will also house upgraded and expanded science labs supporting research in marine geology, soil toxicity, habitats, migration and climate impacts.
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.
As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities to advance research and innovation in Canada. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces and 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 jobs of the future.
The Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan 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. Today's announcement is a prime example of that vision in action.
The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is jump-starting a virtuous circle of innovation and creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada's investment in Royal Roads University is creating the right conditions for innovation and long-term growth, which will keep the Canadian economy globally competitive. An excellent example is the research being conducted on marine geography and migration. Canada's economy depends on our oceans, coasts and waterways, and the better we understand our marine environments, the stronger our economy and communities will be. It's not only about creating jobs today; we are also working to ensure a healthier environment and a more prosperous economy for future generations."
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"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. This means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"Encouraging scientific awareness in Victoria and throughout Canada depends on supporting our world-class scientists and researchers. Through investments such as those under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, we are continuing to lay the groundwork for making Canada a global leader in scientific excellence."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport
"Students at Royal Roads University are discovering ways to solve real-world problems in environmental sustainability. They'll now have modern facilities to help them thrive and succeed. Royal Roads students are our future leaders in areas such as agricultural food waste management and innovative recycling initiatives, and they're helping build the best B.C."
– The Honourable Melanie Mark, British Columbia Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training
"The Sherman Jen Building will transform the educational experience for many of our undergraduate students, giving them access to cutting-edge science facilities and learning technologies, as well as a community hub on campus. Thanks to the investments by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, as well as the generous contribution of Dr. Sherman Jen, we can look forward to seeing this international, intercultural community of vibrant students learn and thrive together."
– Dr. Allan Cahoon, President and Vice-Chancellor, Royal Roads University
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada contributed $9.3 million toward this $24.8-million project. The Province of British Columbia provided an additional $5.7 million for the project. RRU and donors contributed the remaining amount.
- 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.
Associated links
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
For further information: Nilani Logeswaran, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2849; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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