March 15, 2011 -- David Sweet, M.P. joined University President Dr. Hubert Krygsman at Redeemer University College (RUC) in Ancaster today to tour progress of the Federally-funded upgrades to science labs and natural sciences research facilities.  The project received a Government of Canada investment of $2.9 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP), an important job creation program launched in 2009 to help respond to the global economic recession, under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“Our government is investing in research and training facilities at campuses across the country to create jobs and help our economy recover quickly while also improving access to research and educational opportunities for students and faculty,” said Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale.

“The project represented the first-ever Federal investment in capital projects at Redeemer University College – a campus that provides opportunities and facilities to the Ancaster community and, indeed, the entire region.”

The Federal contribution through KIP covered one-half of the total cost of the more than 25 different parts to the overall project to upgrade the labs and research facilities. The remaining costs are being covered through Redeemer’s annual capital budget and by donations.

MP Sweet noted that Hamilton’s McMaster University also received funding through the KIP program in May 2009.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government is bolstering Canada’s knowledge economy by injecting an additional $6.3 billion into the economy through investments in science, technology and innovation.

“As Canada begins to emerge from the global recession, investments in state-of-the-art research labs, libraries and learning facilities are essential to creating and securing valuable, skilled jobs, both now and in the future,” said MP Sweet.

As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a $2-billion economic stimulus measure to maintain and improve research and training facilities at Canadian universities, colleges and CEGEPs. The program is providing economic stimulus, creating jobs and generating the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canadian institutions at the forefront of scientific advancement and ensure economic growth in the future.

For more information on the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, visit the Knowledge Infrastructure Program website.

For information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit the Canada’s Economic Action Plan website.