[amor de cosmos]

since the federal government alone has set aside $2 billion+ for this in the latest budget maybe it needs its own thread:

April 8, 2009
Backgrounder
Knowledge Infrastructure Program

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is a two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at post-secondary institutions across Canada.

The Program provides funding to support deferred maintenance, repair and expansion projects at universities and colleges, and responds directly to the need indicated by post-secondary institutions to improve existing campus infrastructure across the country. A major portion of this infrastructure is near the end of its projected lifecycle and, in many cases, does not adequately meet the needs of today's research and teaching activities.

The Program has two components. The university component gives preference to projects that can improve the quality of research and development at the institution. The college component supports projects at other post-secondary institutions, such as colleges, publicly funded polytechnic schools and institutes of technology, which will strengthen their ability to deliver advanced knowledge and skills training.

Projects are assessed according to their ability to quickly and effectively generate economic activity and support job creation. Project readiness and economic impact are, therefore, key criteria used in project selection. Projects are also assessed on their ability to enhance research capacity, support the attraction of new students and provide a better educational experience for the highly skilled workers of tomorrow.

The Program will not only generate economic benefits and support job creation, but will also have an important positive net impact on the environment by reducing energy use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving waste management at universities and colleges across Canada.

29 BC projects:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/h_00019.html

25 in Nova Scotia:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/00020.html

28 in Alberta:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/00021.html

1 in Manitoba (?):
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/00022.html

2 in Yukon:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/00028.html

4 in N&L:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/00031.html

[jmt18325]

The link says that there are 10 in Manitoba.

[240glt]

Did the tories really shun Ontario and Quebec ?

SH will be looking for a new job by the end of the year.

[WhipperSnapper]

Great to see but boring stuff nevertheless. We are talkin' chipped tiles and not signature additions

[WhipperSnapper]

Did the tories really shun Ontario and Quebec ?

"Still to come" by the looks of it.

[1ajs]

theres more that just one in manitoba lets see

40 million is going to the u of m
$40M for U of M campus (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Cash-for-U-of-M-campus-45701912.html)

Staff Writer

WINNIPEG — The federal and provincial governments have announced they are investing more than $40 million into infrastructure projects at the University of Manitoba.

In a statement released today, the federal government said $15 million will go to the Art Research Technology (ART) Lab, $2.5 million to the Smartpark Lake 2 Infrastructure Development, and $2.5 million to the Space Renovation and Development for the Regenerative Medicine Program.

As well, the province will put $18.5 million into the ART Lab and $2.5 million into the Regenerative Medicine Program. The Smartpark development is also supported by $27 million in private contributions.

MP Rod Bruinooge (Winnipeg South) said "this investment not only benefits the university, it will also provide a significant short-term economic stimulus to south Winnipeg."

Diane McGifford, the province's advanced education and literacy minister, said the investment "will give undergraduates, graduates and faculty improved access to dynamic digital technologies and upgraded spaces to carry out cutting-edge research in areas as dynamic as engineering, biotechnology and agriculture.

"It will ensure that Manitoba remains competitive in the context of an increasingly knowledge-based international economy."

----------------------------------------------

18 million to university of winnipeg
http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action/story.127/title.-federal-government-helps-realize-state-of-the-art-science-environment-complex
http://www.pointdouglas.com/plugins/p17_image_gallery/images/1164.png
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/9233/g71ww4.jpg
number10/trueviking


15million to red river coledge for their student residences and culinary school in the exchange
Century-old Winnipeg skyscraper getting $27M makeover
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 | 2:19 PM CT

CBC News
The Union Bank Tower in Winnipeg is being transformed into part of the Red River College downtown campus. (CBC)
The long-vacant Union Bank Tower on Main Street in downtown Winnipeg — Western Canada's first skyscraper — was given a new lease on life Wednesday.

The federal and provincial governments held a joint press conference to announced they are contributing $15 million towards the redevelopment of the building, located next to city hall at the corner of Main Street and William Avenue.

The city and a private donor, Paterson GlobalFoods, are putting in a combined $5 million.

Work will begin this fall to convert the 11-storey structure into the new home for Red River College's Culinary Arts program, as well as student residences and a restaurant.

Another $7 million is needed to complete the residence portion of the project, and fundraising for that purpose has already started, college officials said. The cost of the entire project will be $27 million.

The building, which cost $420,000 to construct in 1903, was built for the Union Bank of Lower Canada when Winnipeg was thriving as the financial, grain marketing, warehousing and transportation hub of the west.

The Royal Bank of Canada took over the Union Bank in 1925 and operated out of the premises until 1992, when it relocated. The building has been vacant ever since.

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4743/strike3.jpg
1ajs 2009
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2023/2521861519_c3dcf6207a_b.jpg
1ajs 2008
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2257/2522726930_4675d188fa_o.jpg
1ajs 2008


then theres the stuff outside of winnipeg

Morden Research Station will be modernized
CJOB News Team reporting
5/9/2009

The Morden Research Station has received 250-thousand dollars from the federal government to modernize the facility..
Portage - Lisgar M-P Candice Hoeppner says in addition to driving agricultural research and keeping the food supply safe, the government investment will quickly bring economic stimulus to the region.

In Budget 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government committed to an accelerated investment program to provide $250 million, over the next two years, to modernize federal labs..

The funding will modernize the growth control room at the Station. It's used by scientists to develop a new type of wheat -- resistant to a wheat stem rust that has the potential to devastate wheat crops.

[jmt18325]

Great to see but boring stuff nevertheless. We are talkin' chipped tiles and not signature additions

So, you didn't read the links then....

[amor de cosmos]

Did the tories really shun Ontario and Quebec ?

SH will be looking for a new job by the end of the year.

i must have only seen the N&L announcement today. here's ontario (total of 28 projects):
The investment leverages more than $1.476 billion over two years, including $587 million in federal funding, $641.2 million in provincial funding, and $248.1 million from other funding sources, including the private sector, charitable contributions, and the universities and colleges themselves.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/00032.html

Great to see but boring stuff nevertheless. We are talkin' chipped tiles and not signature additions
the dept of earth & ocean sciences at UVic (andrew weaver's dept, if anyone knows who he is) has grown to probably one of the biggest depts on campus, to the point that offices & labs are in a bunch of different buildings. a few years ago the admin decided that a new building was needed to consolidate the dept (rather than split it up as they could have done i suppose), & their brand-new building just opened last fall. besides the university researchers, environment canada's climate modelers share the building with them & I think there are some chem labs in there also. since it was completed last fall it wasn't financed under this knowledge infrastructure thing, but if i read it correctly, that's precisely the type of project that this funding is for. people might think it's boring, but setting aside funding to hire new people isn't the only way to attract scientists & students. top-notch facilities is another way. people have criticised the govt's recent decision to cut some research funding & asked who's going to work in these fancy new facilities if funding gets cut. i ask where the new staff & faculty would work with no expansion of buildings, labs, etc. they're both equally important, in other words I think it would be hard to have one without the other.

[mersar]

In terms of projects getting funded, the U of Calgary has a couple including $30M for our new co-generation plant to replace the current steam plant, and $27M for the new library buildings (the main campus one which is well underway, and the spyhill campus high density library).

Co-generation Plant:
http://ucalgary.ca/eeel/files/eeel/images/heatingplant.jpg
(the dark green part is new, the rest currently houses the steam plant which is getting gutted and rebuilt)

Taylor Family Library:
http://tfdl.ucalgary.ca/tfdl/files/tfdl/images/TFDLSouthWestView.jpg
http://compscience.info/public/images/2009/tfl-may12-1.jpg

[HomeInMyShoes]

Everything for CNA and one building in Corner Brook for MUN. What a steaming pile of doodie. They could at least fix some leaks in the munnels or build a parkade so students could park on campus given the steaming pile of doodie that is St. John's Transit.

[MolsonExport]

a small number, esp. given cuts to research granting agencies here in Canada. robbing peter to pay paul, as usual. the Conservatives will not be getting my vote.

[amor de cosmos]

Ontario post-secondary infrastructure gets $1.5B boost
Last Updated: Monday, May 25, 2009 | 2:35 PM ET
The Canadian Press

The federal and Ontario governments will spend nearly $1.5 billion over the next two years on infrastructure projects at Ontario's universities and colleges.

Industry Minister Tony Clement said Monday the $1.476 billion will give short-term economic stimulus to communities in the province and help strengthen research and innovation.

"Our government's investment provides significant short-term economic stimulus in local communities throughout Ontario, while at the same time strengthening Canada's long-term capacity for research and innovation," Clement said in a statement.

"The renewal of college and university facilities will encourage more world-class researchers to work in Canada and give them the tools they need to make further discoveries that will benefit Canadians and people around the world."

The spending will include $587 million in federal funding, $641.2 million in provincial funding and $248.1 million from other sources including the private sector and the universities and colleges themselves.

The monies will come from the federal Knowledge Infrastructure Program announced in the 2009 budget, a two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary schools. They will be used to support deferred maintenance, repair and expansion projects at the colleges and universities.

A total of 28 projects at post-secondary institutions throughout the province will be beneficiaries of the first round of funding, with another round of qualifying projects to be announced Friday.

Funding released to the schools includes:

$137 million for the University of Guelph and Conestoga College.
$31.23 million for Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.
$50 million to the Centre for International Governance Innovation, a centre established by Research In Motion co-CEO Jim Balsillie.
$70 million for the University of Toronto's campus in the eastern suburb of Scarborough.
$80 million for the University of Ottawa.


"This is wonderful news for the University of Guelph, and it will stimulate our local economy by creating jobs," said Liz Sandals, MPP for Guelph.

"This investment by the provincial and federal governments will provide the leaders of tomorrow in environmental sciences with up-to-date teaching and research facilities at the newly renovated Axelrod building."

The money will help colleges begin construction on projects that will create new jobs this summer, Colleges Ontario president and CEO Linda Franklin said in a release. It will also add more spaces for new students, which is critical as the recession has increased the numbers of students applying, she added.

"This funding will help colleges to begin construction on projects that will create new jobs this summer while at the same time creating new spaces to support students pursuing post-secondary education."

The association said college applications are up 10 per cent for programs that started in January, nearly double the 5.1 per cent increase in January 2008.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/05/25/university-infrastructure.html

edit:
"This is an historic investment in academic infrastructure that will help both invigorate the economy and provide for enhanced learning and research environments on our campuses," said Dr. Peter George, Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and President of McMaster University.

"We greatly appreciate the leadership and the exemplary partnership of the provincial and federal governments in recognizing the important role universities play in communities across the province," said Dr. Paul C. Genest, President of the Council of Ontario Universities. "These investments will create local construction jobs at a time of great economic need and provide a foundation for the future by helping to develop our talented graduates and support the research innovations that drive our economy."
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2009/25/c7356.html

[DHLawrence]

It also includes 48 million for Conestoga College, which will be building a new campus in Cambridge, right across Highway 401 from its Kitchener campus, resulting in probably the only college in the world bisected by a six-lane freeway (with a highway overpass and pedestrian bridge connecting the two sites).

[amor de cosmos]

after taking a closer look at some of these projects announced today I can't imagine why anyone would say it's a bad thing:

There are currently about 900 engineering students at U of W. When the new building is open, it will be able to accommodate another 400 students and eventually add even more spaces, said Graham Reader, dean of engineering. He said the engineering centre will not only draw students from different regions, but also give Windsor and Essex County students a reason to stay in the community.
http://www.windsorstar.com/News/Feds+contribute/1628328/story.html


A total of $52.5 million from both the federal and provincial governments for Carleton University’s waterfront project, with facilities that will include a new building by the renowed Moriyama architecture firm, straddling the road beside the Rideau River. The new facilities will house the Faculty of Public Affairs as well as provide lecture halls and a conference centre and will expand Carleton’s capacity by 1,100 undergraduate students and 500 graduate students.
University of Ottawa will renovate and add a tower to Vanier Hall with $30 million in federal funding and $15 million in provincial fundings. The new and renovated buildings will provide space for 7,000 undergraduates and 1,000 graduate students including space for neuroscience laboratories, therapy rooms, teaching computer laboratories, animal care facilities and research space. The total cost for the projects is $118 million, with the remaining money to come from the university. The government contributions are the single largest investment made in the history of the university.
Both the federal and provincial governments will provide $13 million each for a new “911 Institute” at La Cité Collègiale. The building is to be home to seven programs and five proposed programs relating to security and emergency services as well as providing more room for students in health and sciences programs.
Meanwhile, both governments have already announced $70 million for a new environmental demonstration centre for the trades and building sciences at Algonquin College.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Ontario+Feds+pledge+million+Ottawa+universities+colleges/1628321/story.html

In Waterloo, the province and the federal government has committed $25 million each for the Balsillie Centre for Excellence in Global Policy, part of the Centre for International Governance and Innovation. Research In Motion head Jim Balsillie founded CIGI.

In Toronto, the federal government is giving $30 million for George Brown Centre for Health Sciences on the Toronto waterfront. Already, Ontario announced $61.5 million in July, 2008 for this project.

At Ryerson, both the provincial and federal government are contributing $16.45 million each to redevelop an image arts and new media teaching and research building.

And the University of Toronto's St. George campus is slated to get $5.5 million from both Ontario and Ottawa for the Innovation Centre for the Canadian Mining Industry.

The new money also means Mississauga will finally get a community college; a $46 million campus of Sheridan College specializing in business studies and training new Canadians.

"We've been acutely aware that Canada's sixth-biggest city doesn't have a college - already 34 per cent of students come from Mississauga - and 40 per cent of our business students - so we're just taking Sheridan to where they live," said Rob Turner, president of Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, which has campuses in Oakville and Brampton.
http://www.thestar.com/article/640108

[O-Town Hockey]

U of O released renderings of their new building currently under construction today:

http://wwuploads.googlepages.com/vanierhall_pic1.jpg

http://wwuploads.googlepages.com/vanierhall_pic2.jpg

[SteelTown]

Suppose to be more funding on Friday.

[1ajs]

:o

[MolsonExport]

too late, Western has already laid off 59 staff/faculty. This may not sound like much, but remember that it does not include the replacement of retiring faculty (nada), the removal of positions (lotta), and the fact that class sizes are just adjusted upwards. However, our outgoing President still gets his $1M bonus, and a hell of a pension. On campus, the buildings keep rising, but where will be the staff/faculty to fill them?

[SteelTown]

And CUPE is trying to unionize post doc students. That would have a huge impact on budgets.

[SteelTown]

So obviously Mohawk College will get its funding request of $80 million.....

Media Advisory - Ontario boosts infrastructure funding in Hamilton

TORONTO, May 28 /CNW/ - The Hon. John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, the Hon. George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain, will make an important announcement regarding provincial infrastructure investments at Mohawk College.

DATE: Friday, May 29, 2009

TIME: 2:15 p.m.

Rendering
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/hammer396/mohawkcollege.jpg

[SteelTown]

Media Advisory: Governments of Canada and Ontario to Announce Funding for McMaster University

HAMILTON, ONTARIO, May 28, 2009 The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, David Sweet, MP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, Sophia Aggelonitis, Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Small Business and Consumer Services, and the Honourable Ted McMeekin, Ontario Minister of Government Services, will be in Hamilton on Friday, May 29, 2009 to announce infrastructure funding for McMaster University.

After the announcement, the Ministers will be available to media.

Date: Friday, May 29, 2009

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Place: Michael G. DeGroote Centre
for Learning and Discovery
Atrium, 1st Floor
McMaster University
1280 Main St. West
Hamilton, Ont.

[1ajs]

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8633/wan.jpg

[jmt18325]

That it such a hott residence.

[Bedford_DJ]

The NSCC CBE has been under construction for awhile now. Here's the thread for it. (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=3551987)

Originally Posted by "Jonovision":

Just thought I'd put the renderings here. Great project by the way such a very interesting design! Does anyone know if the campus plans to expand east at all as the hospital seems to be removing buildings?

http://www.nscc.ca/img/MicroTemplates/CBE/cbe_banner.jpg

http://www.nscc.ca/img/MicroTemplates/CBE/waterfront.jpg

http://www.nscc.ca/img/MicroTemplates/CBE/picture2.jpg

http://www.nscc.ca/img/MicroTemplates/CBE/picture1.jpg

[amor de cosmos]

another announcement:
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Governments of Canada and Ontario announce more funding for projects at Ontario's colleges and universities

BARRIE, ON, May 29 /CNW/ - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), and the Honourable John Milloy, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, made a second announcement this week to invest an additional $450 million to improve Ontario's colleges and universities and stimulate the province's economy. Today's funding is in addition to more than $1 billion announced Monday and brings the total investment to almost $1.5 billion.

The Ministers were joined by Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament for Barrie, and Aileen Carroll, Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie.

These investments in infrastructure are funded by both levels of government and in some cases with contributions from the postsecondary institutions. The Ontario government's 2009 Budget committed to invest $780 million in its colleges and universities, to modernize facilities and boost long-term research and skills training capacity over the next two years. As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year, $2 billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian postsecondary institutions. The joint funding announcement today celebrates the second round of projects to qualify under the program in Ontario. The first round of projects was announced May 25, 2009.

"At a time of economic uncertainty, the Government of Canada is making a strong intervention to stimulate economic activity through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program," said Minister of State Goodyear. "This initiative to renew Canada's college and university infrastructure will provide a significant short-term economic stimulus and strengthen Canada's position as a world leader in science and technology to the benefit of all Canadians."

"Taken together, the announcements we have made this week will provide an immediate economic stimulus by putting almost $1.5 billion dollars into Ontario's economy," said Minister Milloy. "These solid improvements to our postsecondary infrastructure will further support our knowledge-based economy, and enrich the education of many thousands of students for generations to come."

The investment today and Monday leverages more than $2.1 billion over two years, including $780 million in federal funding, $980.9 million in provincial funding, and $356.1 million from other funding sources, including the private sector, charitable contributions, and the universities and colleges themselves.

This infrastructure program will provide real economic stimulus and employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople 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.

Canada's Economic Action Plan sets out to stimulate the Canadian economy over the next two years and to improve our long-term competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment, which includes the $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program. This new support is the next substantive investment in the Government of Canada's multi-year Science and Technology Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage.

Through the 2009 Ontario Budget - Confronting the Challenge: Building Our Economic Future - the province is investing $32.5 billion in infrastructure for the province of Ontario over the next two years, including a $5 billion contribution from the federal government that will support more than 300,000 jobs and strengthen Ontario's economy.

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:
http://www.mei.gov.on.ca/english/infrastructure.
http://ogov.newswire.ca/ontario/GPOE/2009/05/29/c9018.html?lmatch=&lang=_e.html

& here's SteelTown's announcement @ McMaster:
May 29, 2009 13:35 ET
Canada and Ontario Invest in Infrastructure at McMaster University
Investment will create jobs, stimulate local economy

HAMILTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 29, 2009) - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough, together with the Honourable Sophia Aggelonitis, Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship and Member of Provincial Parliament for Hamilton Mountain, and the Honourable Ted McMeekin, Ontario Minister of Government Services, today announced a Knowledge Infrastructure Program investment of $22 million in Hamilton's McMaster University.

The University will use the funding to upgrade its nuclear reactor and nuclear research building to accommodate new laboratories and research space, and to increase commercial production of medical and industrial isotopes.

"This investment in McMaster University will provide a significant short-term economic stimulus to the Hamilton area, and will make a difference in the lives of many people in the region," said Minister Clement. "The Government of Canada is investing in innovation to create jobs, to help our economy recover quickly and to improve the quality of life for Canadians."

"It is a privilege to announce this infrastructure investment which advances McMaster University world-class technology while adding significant and much-needed stimulus to our local economy," said Minister McMeekin.

"The Knowledge Infrastructure Program provides an opportunity for effective partnerships between the provincial and the federal government during these economic times," said Mr. Sweet. "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."

"This funding is an excellent investment for Hamilton - not only for our educational community, but also for our local economy," said Ms. Aggelonitis. "This infrastructure funding will maintain McMaster's high standards of excellence and create much-needed jobs in our community."

Demonstrating their commitment to stimulating the economy and creating jobs, the governments of Canada and Ontario are moving forward with a number of large-scale infrastructure programs to assist Ontarians when they need it most.
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Industry-Canada-996864.html

& they keep coming:
May 29, 2009 13:27 ET
Government of Canada Announces Funding for Infrastructure Projects at Private Institutions in Ontario

HAMILTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 29, 2009) - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced that the federal government will be supporting infrastructure projects at private institutions across Ontario through its Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, including universities and community colleges.

Today, the government announced that it will be investing up to $6 million on a matching basis for eligible costs in the following private institutions:

Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario
Redeemer University College
Tyndale University College


"Our government continues to support investment that provides significant short-term economic stimulus in local communities throughout Ontario, while at the same time strengthening Canada's long-term capacity for research and innovation," said Minister Clement.
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Industry-Canada-996855.html

[SteelTown]

McMaster nuclear research will eventually replace Chalk River so it'll have a huge impact on McMaster University and Hamilton (lots of jobs).

[amor de cosmos]

McMaster nuclear research will eventually replace Chalk River so it'll have a huge impact on McMaster University and Hamilton (lots of jobs).

I wonder if that's why they had a separate announcement for this one, so it wouldn't get lost in the mass of projects announced on monday.

[amor de cosmos]

some updates:

Government of Canada invests in state-of-the-art NRC Indoor Air Research Laboratory
Laboratory helps construction industry innovate and commercialize technology that improves indoor air quality

June 4, 2009, Ottawa, ON — Canadians will have a better understanding of the impact of indoor air quality on their health, especially the health of children and adults with asthma, thanks to a new Indoor Air Research Laboratory opened today at the National Research Council (NRC)'s Institute for Research in Construction by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). The labwill help contribute to better respiratory health by providing a state-of-the-art testing facility for ventilation systems.

"Our government is investing in science, technology and research that improves the lives of Canadians, creates jobs and strengthens the economy," said Minister Goodyear. "The new Indoor Air Research Laboratory will give health experts and the construction industry an insight on how indoor air quality affects our health, while helping businesses develop highly skilled people and improve their competitiveness."

Researchers at the Indoor Air Research Laboratory will measure and evaluate the impact of various ventilation systems by configuring the laboratory's flexible modules to duplicate specific room sizes and home designs, as well as simulate models of heating and air-conditioning systems and heat-recovery ventilators.

The NRC Indoor Air initiative represents an $8 million investment over four years by the Government of Canada of which $2 million is dedicated to the NRC Indoor Air Research Facility. The initiative is a part of the Government's Clean Air Agenda, which commits money and resources for government, industry and communities to work together to improve air quality.
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/newsroom/news/2009/airq-nr_e.html

not infrastructure but I'm putting it here anyway
There were 226,250 full-time personnel engaged in research and development (R&D) activities in Canada in 2006, up 4.2% from 2005. Between 1997 and 2006, this number increased by 55.3%.

Researchers accounted for 62% of total R&D personnel, while technicians comprised 25% and support staff 13%.

The business enterprise sector employed the majority of R&D personnel in Canada. In 2006, 66% of R&D personnel were employed by business enterprises, followed by 25% in the higher education sector and 8% in government (combined federal and provincial).

The vast majority (90%) of the increase in R&D personnel from 2005 to 2006 occurred in the business enterprise sector. Technicians accounted for over half (56%) of the 9,060 additional R&D personnel in 2006.

Ontario and Quebec have the largest number of R&D personnel in Canada. In 2006, just over three-quarters of total R&D personnel were located in Ontario (45%) and Quebec (31%). The majority of the remaining R&D personnel worked in British Columbia (9%) and Alberta (7%).
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/090604/dq090604b-eng.htm

Creating Jobs and Benefitting Science - Government of Canada invests in upgrading federal laboratories in B.C.

NANAIMO, BC, May 29 /CNW/ - James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, today announced nearly $6 million in funding, over the next two years, to undertake needed repairs and infrastructure upgrades at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo and the Center for Aquaculture and Environmental Research in West Vancouver.

The funding is part of a $250 million commitment in Canada's Economic Action Plan designed to accelerate investment, over the next two years, to modernize federal facilities across the country. The funding, announced in Budget 2009, is one of the many job-creating investments in the Economic Action Plan.

"Both the Pacific Biological Station and the Center for Aquaculture and Environmental Research are crucial to Canadian fisheries science," said MP Lunney. "Today, I'm pleased to announce funding which will enhance the efficiency of their operations, and bring economic stimulus to British Columbia."

Funding includes $5,302,000 to the Pacific Biological Station for building and roof repairs and upgrades and $642,000 for building repairs and upgrades to the Center for Aquaculture and Environmental Research.

The Pacific Biological Station is the oldest fisheries research centre on the Pacific coast. The Center for Aquaculture and Environmental Research is a specialized centre for aquaculture and coastal research co-founded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the University of British Columbia.
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2009/29/c9202.html

Jun 04, 2009 10:55 ET
Canada and Prince Edward Island Invest to Expand Post-Secondary Education Research Capacity

CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND--(Marketwire - June 4, 2009) - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, today announced infrastructure investments in two projects at post-secondary institutions in Prince Edward Island.

In partnership with the provincial and territorial governments, and as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program. This two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure will support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, including universities and community colleges. Today's announcement celebrates the projects in Prince Edward Island.

The federal-provincial investment today totals $21 million over two years, including $10.5 million in federal funding and $10.5 million in provincial funding.

"Our government's investment, through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, provides significant short-term economic stimulus into local communities throughout Prince Edward Island, while strengthening Canada's long-term capacity for research and innovation," said Minister Clement. "The renewal of these post-secondary facilities will encourage world-class researchers to work in PEI with the tools they need for the discoveries that will benefit all Canadians."

"This partnership will help ensure that our post-secondary institutions can continue to attract and retain workers who drive innovation and growth," said Premier Ghiz. "Our government has introduced the Island Prosperity Strategy, a five-year, $200-million economic development strategy, as a means of diversifying the Island economy. Post-secondary education and skills development programs are key components of our government's vision. The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to investing in people, infrastructure and innovation in order to create meaningful employment opportunities for all Islanders."
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Industry-Canada-999580.html

Jun 04, 2009 10:00 ET
Government of Canada Invests in New Inshore Science Vessels
Canada's Economic Action Plan at Work

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 4, 2009) - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans announced today that Robert Allan Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia will design the Canadian Coast Guard's three new inshore science vessels. The $650,000 contract was awarded as part of the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan.

"I am pleased to see this important project moving forward," said Minister Shea. "These new vessels will give our researchers and scientists the tools they need to conduct critical research in our inshore waters, while stimulating the local economy during these uncertain times."

The acquisition of the three new inshore science vessels is expected to be completed by March 2011. Two 18 metre inshore science vessels will be home ported in Mont-Joli, Quebec and in Shippagan, New Brunswick and the third science vessel, which will be 24 metres in length, will be home ported in St. Andrew's, New Brunswick.

In addition to fulfilling its primary commitment to marine safety and environmental response, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) plays an indispensable role in fulfilling the mandate of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Hydrographic, oceanographic, and scientific research are performed aboard vessel platforms. CCG's ability to host scientists makes it all possible.

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is investing $175 million in the CCG to procure 68 new small vessels and 30 environmental barges, and to undertake major repair work on 40 of its aging large vessels.

Backgrounder:
Budget 2009 - Inshore Fisheries Science Vessels:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/back-fiche/2009/budget2009d-eng.htm
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Fisheries-And-Oceans-Canada-999537.html

[amor de cosmos]

government releases progress report on science & technology strategy
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/04729.html
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/h_04709.html

[amor de cosmos]

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick, today announced infrastructure investments of close to $178 million in 17 projects at 12 post-secondary institutions in New Brunswick.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/04722.html

[amor de cosmos]

The Government of Canada today announced that road users in Canada will benefit from $14.2 million in improvements at Transport Canada's Motor Vehicle Test Centre in Blainville, Quebec.

These improvements, part of the Modernizing Federal Laboratories initiative included in Budget 2009, will update the centre and expand test capability to address emerging opportunities to reduce road safety risks. Findings are shared with the automotive industry to help reduce road casualties.
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2009/05/c3662.html

[amor de cosmos]

so far projects worth ~$3.6 billion have been announced, & there's still quebec, nunavut & nwt to come. there are going to be a lot of seats to be filled :) & that doesn't include the upgrades at private colleges or federal labs either

Canada and Saskatchewan Invest to Expand Post-Secondary Education Research Capacity

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, June 12, 2009 — The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are teaming up to invest more than $118 million in 21 projects at post-secondary institutions throughout Saskatchewan. The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), and the Honourable Rob Norris, Saskatchewan Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour, made the announcement today in Saskatoon.

“Our government is investing in Saskatchewan colleges and universities to create jobs in the short term and drive educational opportunities and cutting-edge research that will pay dividends over the long term,” said Minister Ritz. “The government is making strategic investments to make sure Saskatchewan weathers the current economic uncertainty and comes out stronger than ever.”

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year $2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, including universities and community colleges. Today's announcement celebrates the projects that qualify under the program in Saskatchewan.

The investments today include more than $57 million from the federal government, more than $55 million from the provincial government, as well as close to $6 million in private funding.

“Our government's investment will enable our post-secondary institutions to build, maintain and renew the infrastructure Saskatchewan needs to be a national leader in post-secondary education and training, research and development, innovation, and the knowledge economy,” said Minister Norris. “This investment will boost economic activity and create jobs to help Saskatchewan remain strong and steady.”

“Investing in post-secondary education is a smart decision. It allows us to respond to student and employer needs, who in turn will secure the future of our province and our country,” said Dr. Robert G. McCulloch, president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/04750.html

[amor de cosmos]

McMaster starts producing medical isotopes
Last Updated: Friday, June 12, 2009 | 8:32 AM ET
CBC News

The McMaster University Medical Centre will step in on Friday in an attempt to help alleviate the shortage of medical isotopes.

Doctors at the Hamilton, Ont., university had wondered if a possible solution to the shortage might be found in their nuclear medicine lab.

McMaster has a cyclotron — a machine that creates medical isotopes that can substitute for the ones usually made at the troubled Chalk River nuclear reactor.

Dr. Karen Gulenchyn, the chief of nuclear medicine for Hamilton Health Sciences, said the decision was necessary.

"This product will be very useful as we move through that time and over the next little while, where we've got old and aging nuclear reactors that may have increasing difficulties over time," she said.

The isotopes being made at McMaster are as effective in scanning for bone cancer as the ones made at Chalk River but Gulenchyn points out they do have shortcomings.

"The number of doses that can be produced in one centre is relatively small. It costs a lot to operate a centre like this, which means that the cost of each dose is greater."

The isotopes must also be used within a few hours of being created.

Health Canada has also approved isotopes being made in Toronto, using a cyclotron at the Centres for Addiction and Mental Health.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/06/12/mcmaster-isotopes.html

[LeftCoaster]

^ooh sexy

[amor de cosmos]

cyclotron-produced isotopes (like @ mcmaster) vs. reactor-produced isotopes (like @ chalk river)
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/06/12/cyclotrons-isotope-alternative.html

[amor de cosmos]

do people still think the cons are anti-science? for some reason the journal science still seems to think so.
Jun 18, 2009 11:42 ET
Government of Canada Invests in Research Infrastructure

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 18, 2009) - The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced more than $665 million for new state-of-the-art infrastructure at 41 Canadian research institutions. Supporting 133 projects through the CFI's Leading Edge Fund and New Initiatives Fund will help Canada's best and brightest researchers conduct cutting-edge research with world-class equipment and facilities.

This investment in Canada's research enterprise will help stimulate the economy by employing the workers to build the labs and equipment needed to conduct cutting-edge research, as well as the technicians and scientists to efficiently run them.

"Through the CFI, our government is creating leading-edge facilities to attract world-class researchers," said Minister Tony Clement. "Our government understands that these investments provide a significant short-term economic stimulus while making a difference in the lives of Canadians."

Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI, joined Minister Clement at the University of Ottawa in making the announcement.

"By investing in leading-edge research infrastructure, we are ensuring that our country continues to prosper as a nation of innovation," said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. "This new investment will substantially increase Canada's capacity to carry out important world-class scientific research and technology development that will benefit all Canadians."

This funding will lead to new discoveries and technologies that will keep Canada competitive in the global marketplace. Past funding has enabled groundbreaking advances in many areas, including spinal cord research, green building technology, quantum computing, and climate change.

Today's investment was approved by the CFI's Board of Directors following a rigorous merit-based expert review process.

A total of $247,664,977 was awarded to 64 projects under the Leading Edge Fund, which enables institutions to build on already successful and productive initiatives supported by past CFI investments. $264,741,466 was awarded to 69 projects under the New Initiatives Fund, which aims to enhance Canada's capacity in promising new areas of research and technology development.

An additional $153,721,933 was awarded under the Infrastructure Operating Fund, a mechanism that assists institutions with the incremental operating and maintenance costs associated with the new infrastructure.

A complete list of award recipients, as well as a list of all projects funded by the CFI to date, is available at www.innovation.ca.

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI's mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.

The CFI was recently named one of Canada's 50 Best Small and Medium Employers, 2009.
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Canada-Foundation-For-Innovation-1006013.html

[amor de cosmos]

at last, Quebec's announcement. this makes ~$4.5 billion, so far, & that's just for university buildings:

Jun 19, 2009 11:44 ET
Governments of Canada and Quebec Invest in Infrastructure at Quebec Colleges and Universities

GATINEAU, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - June 19, 2009) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, along with the Honourable Michelle Courchesne, Quebec Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, on behalf of herself as well as the Honourable Raymond Bachand, Quebec Minister of Finance and Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export, and the Honourable Norman MacMillan, Quebec Minister for Transport and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region, today announced a first wave of investments totalling more than $933 million in Quebec post-secondary institutions. At the same time, they announced a $3.1-million investment for the ISFORT project at the Universite du Quebec en Outaouais.

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, which calls for a $12-billion new investment in infrastructure, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, including universities and community colleges. This new funding represents the next major investment called for in the Government of Canada's multi-year Science and Technology Strategy, entitled Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage.

"Our government's investment provides significant short-term economic stimulus in local communities throughout Quebec, while at the same time strengthening Canada's long-term capacity for research and innovation," said Minister of State Goodyear. "The renewal of college and university facilities will encourage more world-class researchers to work in Canada and give them the tools they need to make more discoveries that will benefit Canadians and people around the world."

"In 2007, the Government of Quebec adopted the Quebec Infrastructure Plan, launching one of the biggest renewal projects in the history of Quebec. The agreement we are announcing today will enable us to proceed more rapidly with this essential renewal of our infrastructure. We are extremely proud of it. With the funding announced today, Quebec universities and colleges will be able to take advantage of modern infrastructure that will help to enrich Quebec's knowledge. The facilities will benefit students, teachers, researchers and the entire population," said Minister Courchesne.

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program includes a university component and a college component. To date, more than 200 shovel-ready projects have been selected from across Quebec. In this first wave, the Government of Canada is providing $395 million, and the Government of Quebec and other partners are providing $539 million. Other projects are still being evaluated and will be added to this list. They involve new construction and maintenance work, renovations, repairs and upkeep.

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople 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.

"At a time of economic uncertainty, our government is making a strong intervention to stimulate economic activity through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program," said Minister Paradis. "This initiative to renew Canada's college and university infrastructure will provide a significant short-term economic stimulus and put many people to work in Quebec."

"In a period of strong global competition and economic turbulence, funding for infrastructure and actual projects is the best way to create jobs and promote economic activity. By enhancing research capacity in different sectors in all regions of Quebec, we are contributing to our people's quality of life and our society's economic competitiveness," noted Minister Bachand.

The ministers also unveiled one of the selected projects: a $3.1-million investment at the Universite du Quebec en Outaouais. This will make it possible to establish the Institut des sciences de la foret feuillue temperee (ISFORT) (Temperate Deciduous Forest Institute of Science).

"The Outaouais region has developed leadership and expertise in hardwood production and processing. The investments announced today will directly meet existing needs and give value added to research and training," said Minister MacMillan, speaking on behalf of Outaouais members of the Quebec National Assembly.
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-Of-Canada-1006577.html

[MolsonExport]

http://communications.uwo.ca/com/western_news/stories/green_light_for_new_ivey_building_20090529444374/

Western News:
Green light for new Ivey building

By Communications Staff

Friday, May 29, 2009 The University of Western Ontario will break ground this summer on the first phase of a $100-million building project to house the Richard Ivey School of Business.

Today, the federal and provincial governments unveiled $50 million in infrastructure support for the first phase of a striking three-storey, world-class facility to be built on the west side of Western Road in front of Brescia University College.

Phase two – also valued at $50 million – will be supported by $22.5 million from Western and $27.5 million through the efforts of Ivey fundraisers.

Construction of the glass and cut-stone structure, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects of Toronto, will begin in August on a site where soccer pitches are currently located. The first phase will be completed by March 2011.

It was the best possible news for a faculty bursting at the seams and scattered over five different locations in London. Click to watch a video of today's announcement.

Or click for a 1995 video taken when Richard Ivey's donation renamed the school.


The world-renowned undergraduate program (HBA) has grown by 40 per cent over the past three years and is expected to double in size by 2013. The PhD program has tripled in size over the last decade.

To meet the demand, space must be increased by 60 per cent more than is currently available in its main building. Hemmed in on one side by a protected woodland and on another by a steep hill, expansion at the current site to handle this growth was considered impossible.

“Ivey has grown tremendously in recent years, and more growth is predicted in the coming years,” says Ivey Dean Carol Stephenson, adding Ivey will be in a position to “prepare for the growth that will support not only Ontario businesses, but also support Ontario’s and Canada’s economic growth.”

President Paul Davenport applauded the federal and provincial governments for supporting a project essential to the university’s future.

“Ivey is identified in our strategic plan as a signature area, and this is an incredible opportunity to take advantage of government investment that helps us build a strong university for the future,” says Davenport.

“Ivey’s impact is felt throughout the university, through its interdisciplinary programs and work across campus, and that means this project is important to all of us.”

Fred Longstaffe, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), said the university is “so fortunate” the federal and provincial governments understand the value of investing in Western.

“Ivey is a world-renowned leader in business education and is one of the key players at Western in bringing international stature and recognition to the university. We want Ivey to be, and continue to be, competitive at the highest national and international level.”

The shovel-ready project meshes with federal and provincial goals to get Ontarians back to work. Over the next 10 months, the project will provide almost 600 jobs in Ontario, more than half in London. Almost 200 jobs will be supported as the first phase winds up.

Provincial and federal politicians were on hand Friday to deliver the news.

“By investing at Western today, the Ontario government is supporting new construction and renovation projects that will create construction jobs in the short-term and provide more opportunities for our students to develop the skills they need for the jobs of the future,” says Deb Matthews, MPP for London North Centre.


According to Joe Preston, MP, Elgin-Middlesex-London: “This government of Canada investment in (Western) will provide a significant short-term economic stimulus to London and will create jobs in this region.”

The so-far unnamed new building has been designed using the latest green technology, and will be the second LEED-certified building on campus. The other is the Faculty of Engineering’s Claudette McKay-Lassonde Pavilion which is scheduled to open this fall.

Planning began in 2005 when Ivey launched a comprehensive strategy for growth, including identification of the need for additional space.

The intensity has ramped up since January 2008. A New Building Task Force conducted a review to ensure the new building would be on par with top business schools in Canada and internationally. From that process, the university attracted proposals from 18 architects, eventually selecting Hariri Pontarini Architects.

The current building is called the Richard Ivey Business School, named for the first chair of the Ivey Advisory Board, Richard G. Ivey. The building will retain his name. The Richard Ivey School of Business will also retain its name, and Ivey students will continue to graduate from the Richard Ivey School of Business at The University of Western Ontario.

University officials say the new building provides a naming opportunity. The Ivey family is aware of the building-naming opportunity and supportive of the new building initiative.

In the future, the Spencer Leadership Centre on Windermere Road will be used by Ivey solely as an executive education facility and for external events, such as weddings and corporate meetings.

While construction will displace the current soccer fields, planning is underway to move them to an area near TD Waterhouse Stadium.

[amor de cosmos]

It was the best possible news for a faculty bursting at the seams and scattered over five different locations in London...

...The world-renowned undergraduate program (HBA) has grown by 40 per cent over the past three years and is expected to double in size by 2013. The PhD program has tripled in size over the last decade.

To meet the demand, space must be increased by 60 per cent more than is currently available in its main building. Hemmed in on one side by a protected woodland and on another by a steep hill, expansion at the current site to handle this growth was considered impossible.

good to hear, that's what it's all about!

[amor de cosmos]

Arctic research stations getting a major makeover
Updated Sat. Jul. 4 2009 10:04 AM ET
The Canadian Press

INUVIK, N.W.T. -- The roof leaks, the wiring is tangled and the Arctic wind blows through leaky old windows.

The walls are scabbed from decades of posters and the 1950s-era linoleum is, well, tired.

This is Inuvik's Aurora Research Institute, Canada's flagship research station in the western Arctic. It's a 45-year-old relic from the days of slide rules and punch cards that's still in use in a world where high-speed Internet is now as much a part of a well-equipped lab as test tubes.

Not for much longer.

Aurora -- and three other research stations across the North -- are set to begin major rebuilds to give Canadian and international scientists a modern platform for modern science.

"It's desperately needed," says director Pippa Seccombe-Hett. "It keeps us relevant to science in the Arctic."

It would be hard to overestimate the importance that the stations play in Arctic science. They offer work space, research libraries and storage for specialized equipment coming up from the south. They rent gear from sleeping bags and tents to small motor boats and survival suits.

They even house researchers who aren't out in the field.

"This facility is critical to us in terms of logistic support, accommodation and scientific interaction," says Steve Blasco, a geologist working at Aurora who's helping to map the ocean floor. "It's a structure, but to us it's a living thing."

Last year 75 research groups with 650 scientists from around the world worked at Aurora. The Churchill Northern Studies Centre in Manitoba hosted 150 researchers.

The Nunavut Research Institute in Iqaluit and the Polar Continental Shelf facility in Resolute are similarly active.

But all are old.

Churchill is 50 years old. The Iqaluit facility is a pair of linked trailers that haven't been renovated in three decades. At Aurora, built in 1964, the labs don't even offer computer connections -- which leads to some interesting improvisation, says Blasco.

"I've seen 30 wires coming out of a wall that wouldn't pass anybody's inspection."

Churchill's lab doesn't even have proper heat.

"It's great for doing snow work, but if you need to do anything warm, it's a problem," says scientific co-ordinator LeeAnn Fishback.

Each of the stations received $11 million from the federal Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund, part of the government's overall economic stimulus package.

Although the new buildings will be roughly the same size as the current structures, better design will allow scientists to do much more in them.

Research in the centres deals with everything from plants and animals to the lifestyles of people who live in the Arctic. Canada's claims to the waters off its Arctic coastlines will be based on research conducted at centres such as Aurora.

While researchers welcome the new buildings, the next step is to make they've got enough money to run and ensure the scientists themselves are properly funded, says Jean-Marie Beaulieu of the Canadian Polar Commission.

"Our next step will be looking for operating money."

The commission is about to release estimates on how much it will cost to run the stations on an ongoing basis. They are owned by a variety of organizations, including provincial governments and educational institutions. Scientists are also looking for a restoration of funding to federal granting agencies, which was cut in the most recent federal budget.

Blasco has worked at Aurora for years and is fond of the old place.

"Without this facility there would be no science for us," he says.

But its time is past and a new building is needed.

"If there were no new facility, I would not be doing research here."
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090704/arctic_station_090704/20090704

[amor de cosmos]

Jul 06, 2009 11:11 ET
Governments of Canada and Manitoba Announce Second Round of Funding for Post-Secondary Infrastructure in the Province

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - July 6, 2009) - Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), and the Honourable Peter Bjornson, Manitoba Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth, on behalf of the Honourable Diane McGifford, Manitoba Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy, today announced $41.2 million in funding for infrastructure projects at post-secondary institutions in Manitoba.

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year $2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, including universities and community colleges.

The funding announced today is part of the second round of investments under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and builds on the more than $159 million announced for projects in Manitoba under the first round of funding last month.

"This Government of Canada investment at these institutions will provide a significant short-term economic stimulus to the people of Manitoba," said Mr. Bruinooge. "Our government is investing in innovation to create jobs, help our economy recover quickly and improve Canadians' quality of life."

"The Manitoba government is pleased to partner with Industry Canada and the University of Manitoba to improve campus infrastructure," Minister Bjornson said. "Our economy will benefit almost immediately through the creation of jobs and spin-off activities; while over the long term, thousands of post-secondary students will attend classes in an enhanced and updated learning environment."

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople 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 investment announced today totals $41.2 million over two years, including $17.1 million from the federal government and $24.1 million from the provincial government and other sources, including the institutions themselves.

Four projects at the University of Manitoba were among those to receive funding today. The university will use the funding for renovations and enhancements to its Biological Science Building, Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, Eureka Incubator and Buller Building Science Labs.
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Industry-Canada-1013169.html

[amor de cosmos]

new invasive-species centre @ Great Lakes Forestry Centre
http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/media/newcom/2009/200969-eng.php

[amor de cosmos]

$113.2 million more for Alberta facilities:
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Industry-Canada-1020787.html

[amor de cosmos]

NWT gets its announcement. $4.4 million for Aurora College
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Industry-Canada-1024224.html

[amor de cosmos]

$73 million more for BC university/college facilities:
http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=1569

[amor de cosmos]

education infrastructure is getting newer & is about to get a lot newer still!

Study: Age of education infrastructure
2008

On the whole, the average age of Canada's education infrastructure (its elementary and secondary schools, universities and colleges) has fallen slightly since the early 2000s after nearly doubling during the previous three decades.

In 2008, the nation's education infrastructure was an estimated 20.1 years old on average, slightly below the peak of 21.3 years in 2000. This decline was fuelled largely by new investments in university buildings, mainly in Ontario and Quebec.

Education buildings were at their youngest in 1969 when the average age hit 11.0 years, following huge investments in new facilities to accommodate a large inflow of baby boomers.

The average increased rapidly until the mid-1980s. The need for new construction or major renovations was less pressing because many buildings were relatively new. In addition, fertility rates were declining during the baby bust, and baby boomers were entering the labour force.

From the mid-1980s to the turn of the millennium, the average increased, but at a slower pace. New investments were required to accommodate the children of the baby boomers (the so-called "echo boom"). These children were entering primary and secondary schools in large numbers, but new investments were not sufficient to maintain or reduce the average age. This cohort and an increase in enrolment rates boosted demand for postsecondary educational services around the turn of the millennium.

A reduction in the average age indicates a general trend toward younger stock of capital. However, it does not necessarily imply that each physical asset is younger or in better condition, or that a greater proportion of assets meet specific quality standards. A key factor is the amount of investment; the more the investment, the younger the stock.

On average, the service life of education buildings is estimated at about 40 years. The average of 20.1 years in 2008 means that education physical infrastructure had passed 51% of its useful service life.

This rate was lower than that of other major infrastructure assets, such as bridges and overpasses, which have passed 57% of their useful life, according to a previous study. However, it was significantly higher than water supply systems, which have passed 40% of their useful life.

In 2008, the gross stock of education facilities amounted to $115.5 billion, nearly half of the nation's total institutional infrastructure.

Elementary and secondary schools combined represented the largest proportion of total education stock in 2008, 61% or $70.7 billion. Universities accounted for 24%, the second largest proportion.

In 2008, education infrastructure was older than the national average in seven provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.

In Ontario, the age equalled the national average, thanks to strong investments in recent years. British Columbia and Alberta had the youngest education infrastructure in the country.
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/090903/dq090903a-eng.htm

[amor de cosmos]

September 4, 2009
Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development
Industry Canada

VIU BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW $26.6M COWICHAN CAMPUS

DUNCAN – Construction is set to begin on Vancouver Island University’s new $26.6-million Cowichan Place campus in Duncan, following an official groundbreaking today by provincial, federal and college officials. The project will create up to 170 direct jobs.

“This is another exciting milestone for Vancouver Island University as it continues to grow into its new status as a fully accredited university,” said Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development. “This partnership with the federal government and VIU demonstrates what can be achieved when we all work together.”

“Vancouver Island University is an institution committed to providing excellence in advanced training and education for Vancouver Island students and those from far off,” said Nanaimo-Alberni MP James Lunney. “The expanded Cowichan Campus will be a great new platform to meet the needs of a growing population for years to come.”

The new campus, at over 3,500 square metres, will be located in the Cowichan Place development and serve students enrolled in university degree, business, health and human services, trade and applied technology, career and academic preparation and employability skills programs.

Cowichan Place is a development that, in addition to the new VIU campus, will have facilities operated by the City of Duncan, the District of North Cowichan and the Cowichan Valley School District. The site will be a focal point for education, recreation and culture in the Cowichan Valley.

“Our government is making record investments in post-secondary institutions and ensuring we have learning facilities in all regions so that students are able to stay closer to home,” said Ron Cantelon, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “Not only does this reduce the cost of education for students, but it creates a pool of skilled workers for local communities.”
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2009ALMD0024-000288.htm

September 4, 2009
Office of the Premier
Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development

NEW FACILITY TO TRAIN HUNDREDS MORE PHARMACISTS FOR BC

VANCOUVER – The Province is investing $86.4 million in a new state-of-the-art building at the University of British Columbia that will house the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, enabling the expansion of the undergraduate program by 72 students, and helping address the shortage of pharmacists in B.C., announced Premier Gordon Campbell today.

“This facility will ensure increased numbers of pharmacists are able to train in B.C. to help meet the health care needs of British Columbians now and for the future,” said Premier Campbell. “This expansion of pharmacist training will build on the steps we’ve taken over the past eight years to expand training of medical professionals here in B.C., including doubling the number of doctor training spaces and nurse training spaces at our province’s universities and colleges.”

The new Pharmaceutical Sciences Building will feature almost two hectares of floor space containing research and teaching laboratories, office space and classrooms, as well as additional space to be leased out to tenants operating in the drug research, development and commercialization field. The total project cost is $133.3 million, and it will create approximately 850 construction jobs.
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2009PREM0030-000280.htm

[amor de cosmos]

$103M to McGill for better labs, equipment
The Gazette
September 14, 2009

McGill University will receive $103 million from the Quebec and federal governments to refurbish outmoded labs, upgrade ventilation and plumbing systems and purchase state of the art equipment.

Education Minister Michelle Courchesne and Senator David Angus made the announcement Monday morning at a news conference in McGill’s Otto Maass Chemistry Building, which will receive $27.6 million for a full-scale makeover of laboratories and facilities which date back to the mid-1960s.

The money is part of the two-year, $2 billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program which was announced in the federal budget last spring to upgrade structures and stimulate growth at post-secondary institutions across the country.

“This investment is a step in the right direction. It will allow McGill to continue to attract the next generation of brilliant young innovators,” said McGill’s principal Heather Munroe-Blum, who had lobbied hard for the program as president of the Quebec conference of rectors and principals.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/103M+McGill+better+labs+equipment/1992144/story.html

[amor de cosmos]

in related news...

Spending on research and development in the higher education sector
2007/2008

Spending on research and development by higher education institutions such as universities and affiliated research hospitals, experimental stations and clinics, amounted to $10.2 billion in current dollars in 2007/2008.

In 2002 constant dollars, this was $8.8 billion, up 2.7% from the previous year and 85% above the level in 1998/1999.

Of six funding sectors, higher education institutions themselves continued as the largest contributors to research and development done by this sector (45% of total funding in 2007/2008), spending $4.6 billion in current dollars, up 3.1% from the previous year. The second largest contributor was the federal government, which provided $2.7 billion or 27% of total funding.

The higher education sector spent $2.1 billion in current dollars on research and development in the social sciences and humanities field in 2007/2008, up 7.9% from 2006/2007. Spending on natural sciences and engineering (including health sciences) stood at $8.1 billion, up 5.3%.

Ontario and Quebec combined provided 68% of total research and development spending of the higher education sector.
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/090909/dq090909c-eng.htm
(in 2006/2007 fiscal year it was $9.6 billion)

Sep 17, 2009 11:17 ET
Canada Leads the G7 in Higher-Education Research and Development

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 17, 2009) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today welcomed findings reported by Statistics Canada that demonstrate the Government of Canada's leadership on research and development (R&D) investments at institutions of higher education.

The national statistical agency announced recently that estimated spending on higher-education R&D was $10.2 billion in 2007-08, representing an increase of 5.8 percent over 2006-07. This increase positions Canada as number one in higher-education R&D (as a percentage of gross domestic product) in the G7.

In particular, Minister of State Goodyear pointed to estimates that showed the federal government's investment in higher-education R&D was $2.7 billion, up 9.4 percent from the previous year, making it the second-largest contributor to higher-education R&D in the country.

"Our government is investing in R&D because it creates the jobs of tomorrow, today; strengthens the economy; and improves the quality of life for Canadians," said Minister of State Goodyear. "This is the highest level of spending by Canada's government on higher-education R&D in our nation's history."

Higher-education institutions include universities, affiliated research hospitals, experimental stations and clinics.

"The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada welcomed the important increases in federal investments in the direct and institutional costs of university research announced in 2007 as part of the Government of Canada's Science and Technology Strategy," said Andre Dulude, Vice-President, National Affairs, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

Higher-education institutions continued to be the largest contributors to their own R&D, spending an estimated $4.6 billion in current dollars in 2007-08, an increase of 3.1 percent over the previous year. This increase is consistent with the government's commitment to develop a leading-edge economy and implement actions, as set out under its strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage.
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Industry-Canada-1046296.html