Executive Council
June 23, 2016

Government Funding Fuels Scientific Innovation at Memorial University

The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador demonstrated their ongoing support for scientific innovation and post-secondary education today by announcing $125million in joint funding for the Core Science Facility project at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of NewfoundlandandLabrador, and the Honourable JudyFoote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable AmarjeetSohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, made the announcement today at the Smallwood University Centre. Dr. GaryKachanoski, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University, hosted the event.

The project was conceived to promote inter- and multi-disciplinary approaches to science and foster collaboration, in particular, between the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering. The new facility will include new research and laboratory teaching spaces, an adaptable shell space for university and industry collaborations, offices and meeting rooms, and a series of open public spaces to encourage group discussion and academic partnership.

Once complete, the new Core Science Facility will greatly contribute to creating a more contemporary and integrated learning and research environment that fosters inventive scientific thinking and practices. By allowing the university to advance new teaching and research mandates, the new infrastructure will also support student and faculty recruitment and retention initiatives.

The total estimated global project budget is $325million, with $99,855,277 coming from the Government of Canada through the New Building Canada Fund's Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects, and $25,144,723 coming from the Province of NewfoundlandandLabrador. Memorial University will be responsible for the remaining project costs.

Quotations

"Our government has been working diligently with the federal government to advance infrastructure projects for the province and I am very pleased that our federal colleagues have recognized Memorial University and the Core Science Facility as a project worthy of such a substantial investment. Infrastructure spending helps ensure economic development and prosperity for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.'
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

"This funding highlights the federal government's commitment to increasing Canada's scientific excellence. The Government of Canada understands that research and innovation are essential to a competitive, thriving economy, as well as to developing the knowledge and tools required to build sustainable communities that meet the needs of Canadians for generations to come"
- The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"On behalf of the entire Memorial University community, I extend my sincere thanks to the federal and provincial governments for their incredible support for our university. This state-of-the-art core science facility will enable us to deliver on our commitment to the people of this province to provide excellence in teaching and learning, research and public engagement. It will provide the best education for undergraduate and graduate students in a collaborative learning environment and allow Memorial to continue to produce and deliver research of national and international calibre."
- Dr. Gary Kachanoski, President and Vice-chancellor, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Associated links

• To see details aboutGovernment of Canada infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• To learn more about:Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $120billion infrastructure plan.
• https://gazette.mun.ca/campus-and-community/catalyst-for-growth/
• https://gazette.mun.ca/campus-and-community/building-the-future/

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Media contacts:

Brook Simpson Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities 613-219-0149	Nancy O'Connor Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-689-1825 nancyoconnor@gov.nl.ca
Dave Sorensen Manager, Communications Memorial University 709-864-2143 sorensen@mun.ca	Infrastructure Canada 613-960-9251 Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154 Email: media@infc.gc.ca Twitter: @INFC_eng Website: Infrastructure Canada

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