Executive Council
October 7, 2016
Strengthening Post-Secondary Education
Over $25 Million Announced to Redevelop Memorial University's Battery Facility
More than $25 million of Federal Government and Memorial University funding will be invested at Memorial's Battery Facility in a redevelopment project as part of the recently-signed Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund. The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the announcement today at Memorial University's St. John's campus.
"Education is the key to the future. Whether it is in searching for oil or minerals, navigating the ocean, managing
government or running a business, we are all part of the modern, knowledge economy. Memorial University has identified
the Battery Facility Redevelopment as a top priority. By collaborating with the Government of Canada, a modern, innovative
facility will be developed at the Battery – one that will help make our economy more competitive."
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The redeveloped Battery Facility will allow Memorial to relocate four of its current innovation centres to form the university's provincial innovation and public engagement hub, building on the university's strengths in the fields of social innovation, commercialization, entrepreneurship and regional development.
"These infrastructure investments will create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper
while also delivering sustained economic growth for years to come. Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are building
Canada into a global centre for innovation."
- Seamus O'Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John's South – Mount Pearl
Of the total funding, $8.63 million comes from the Federal Government, and $16.2 million is being contributed by Memorial University, with the balance from other fund development efforts.
"The Battery Facility is strategically important to Memorial University as an institution that is both locally relevant
and globally significant. It is a key aspect of our long-term plans for fostering innovation and engagement in both our
provincial community, but also nationally and internationally, for the benefit of the people and organizations of this
province."
- Dr. Gary Kachanoski, President and Vice Chancellor, Memorial University
The Federal Government's $2 billion Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is improving research and
innovation infrastructure at universities and colleges across the country, including Memorial University and College
of the North Atlantic, with new investments of more than $85 million. For more information,
visit
www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/051.nsf/eng/home
.
QUICK FACTS
- More than $25 million of Federal Government and Memorial University funding will be invested at Memorial's Battery Facility in a redevelopment project as part of the recently-signed Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.
- The redeveloped Battery Facility will allow Memorial to relocate four of its current innovation centres to form the university's provincial innovation and public engagement hub, building on the university's strengths in the fields of social innovation, commercialization, entrepreneurship and regional development.
- The Federal Government's $2 billion Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is improving research and innovation infrastructure at Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic, with new investments of more than $85 million.
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Media contacts:
|
Michelle Cannizzaro Media Relations Manager Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca |
Philip Proulx Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development 343-291-2500 |
|
Rebecca Cohoe Office of Public Engagement and Harris Centre Memorial University 709-864-3739, 690-3803 rcohoe@mun.ca |
2016 10 07 10:45 a.m.