(Ottawa) — The Conservative Government today presented the 2011 federal budget and once again support for post-secondary education was strongly enhanced, with over $700 million in new dollars.

“Our Government continues to support Canadian universities and colleges and this budget builds on a record that is unmatched in recent decades,” says Phil McColeman, Vice-Chair of the Government’s Post-Secondary Education Caucus.

The Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan invests in innovation, education and training – ensuring that Canadians gain the knowledge and skills they need to ensure long term prosperity in the global economy.

Budget 2011 announced $60 million over the next three years to promote increased student enrolment in key disciplines related to the digital economy. It also strengthens Canada’s research advantage by investing an additional $37 million per year to support the three federal research granting councils, and providing an additional $10 million per year, for the Indirect Costs Program, for costs such as those related to operating and maintaining facilities.

Budget 2011 supports the creation of high-value jobs with targeted resources to improve commercialization and support demonstration of new technologies in the marketplace by allocating $12 million over five years, starting in 2011-12, through the Idea to Innovation program to support joint college-university commercialization projects. It also helps Canadians get the education and skills they need to succeed by enhancing and expanding eligibility for Canada Student Loans and Grants for part-time and full-time post-secondary students with an investment of over $34 million a year once fully implemented.
“Universities will benefit from the Government’s 2011 federal investments in education, and I look forward to working with Universities and colleges across Canada,” said Mr. McColeman.