Alberta, May 14th 2009 - On behalf of the Government of Canada, Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray - Athabasca, along with Guy Boutiller MLA, Pearl Calahasen MLA, Jeff Johnson, MLA and Ray Danyluk, MLA, from the Province of Alberta, today announced an unprecedented investment of more than $12 million for infrastructure enhancement at post- secondary institutions across Northern Alberta. These investments will be directed to facility improvement at Athabasca University, Keyano College, Portage College and Northern Lakes College.

“By renewing our college and university facilities in Northern Alberta, our students and researchers will have the tools they need to continue to pursue excellence in their fields,” said MP Jean, “Our government is proud to be working with our provincial partners to invest in innovation, in order to create jobs, to help our economy recover quickly and to improve the quality of life for Canadians.”
   
This joint investment is part of the Knowledge Infrastructure Fund, and will be comprised of a 50% contribution by the federal government, and a matching 50% from the province. This two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure, was introduced to support the improvement and expansion of facilities at Canadian colleges and universities. The program aims to enhance research and instructional capacity, and assist in building the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada’s post-secondary institutions at the forefront of scientific advancement.

Introduced in the 2009 Canada Economic Action Plan, investments made through the program aim to provide much-needed economic stimulus in communities across Canada, and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, trades people and technicians.

 “These cooperative efforts to deepen support for post secondary education will bring lasting benefits to all Canadians,” said Jean.

The following investments were made by the Knowledge Infrastructure Program to North Eastern Alberta:

• Athabasca University was awarded $8 million for upgrades and renovations to Main Campus facilities and Science Laboratories.
• Northern Lakes College was awarded $1.3 million for upgrades to fire, safety and security systems.
  
• Portage College was awarded $550,000 for the replacement of air handling units; and $1.7 mill. for the replacement of chilled water distribution lines.
  
• Keyano College was awarded $2.3 million for the improvements to barrier-free accessibility and life health safety systems renewal throughout campus.