(Brantford) – May 26, 2009 — Dr. Max Blouw, president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University and Dr. Bruce Arai, principal and acting vice-president of Laurier Brantford were joined by Brant MP Phil McColeman and Brant MPP Dave Levac today to announce joint federal and provincial funding of $26 Million for construction of Laurier Brantford’s new Research and Academic Centre.

    The project will culminate in a facility that will enable the Brantford campus to grow to 4,000 students by 2012 from the present 2,200 students. It will provide state-of-the-art research and teaching space, as well as library facilities and administrative areas for several campus programs.

"The Research and Academic Centre is an important step in the on-going development of Laurier Brantford as a campus that provides comprehensive university infrastructure and services," said Dr. Blouw. "We very much appreciate the support shown by the Federal and Provincial governments and we look forward to a continued strong partnership with both levels of government and, of course, our long-standing municipal partners."

"This announcement is tremendous for Laurier Brantford, and for the communities of Brantford and Brant County,” said Dr. Arai.  “With this investment, the Brantford Campus will continue to be a leader in Ontario for high-quality, innovative academic programs, while doubling our student enrolment, and creating the research infrastructure needed for growth and academic excellence.”

The investment is funded equally by both levels of government.  The Ontario government in the 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 post-secondary institutions. The joint funding announcement today is part of the first round of projects to qualify under the program in Ontario.

“The Government of Canada’s investment in Laurier Brantford will provide a significant economic stimulus to this community, it will create jobs in this region, and by allowing the campus to grow Laurier will continue to positively impact our local economy for years to come” said McColeman.

“Great news. I can't say it enough,” said Levac. "Post Secondary investments in Brant at this time continue to build on a dream many have worked on so hard for quite some time. Every stakeholder and supporter working together is building a bright future for this riding. When all three levels of government work together and with other partners, we can accomplish anything. I have been a huge supporter and tireless advocate for this vision since 1999 and will do so into the future."