August 11, 2009
$1.7 Million for Student Services at Kwantlen

LANGLEY - A $1.7-million investment by the provincial and federal governments will renovate and expand student services at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Langley campus.

Mark Warawa, MP for Langley and Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, along with Mary Polak, MLA for Langley, made the announcement today.

"This is a great demonstration of two governments working together, investing in B.C. communities and the economic future of this province," said Warawa. "We are dedicated to creating stability and new opportunities as Canadians face economic challenges and one of the best ways to do that is by supporting our students and our educational programs."

This is one of 11 projects at public, post-secondary institutions across the province that will break ground quickly thanks to a joint federal- provincial investment of $64.3 million. This project is also part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province to create jobs and vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C. provincial funding for the student services renovation is $872,500 and federal funding is $872,500.

This investment is part of the federal government's two-year, $2-billion plan to repair and expand research and educational facilities at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. In B.C., the federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of the cost of selected projects on a cost-share basis with the Province.

"I'm pleased to announce this important investment in our local student services," said Polak. "This funding for Kwantlen's Langley campus will not only provide new opportunities for our students but also support exciting environmental initiatives. In this current economic environment, our government is once again demonstrating its commitment to creating jobs and investing in B.C.'s long-term success."

The renovated and expanded Langley campus student affairs wing will enhance Kwantlen's student services by providing support to program initiatives in the areas of sustainability, environmental protection horticulture and urban agricultural sciences. These programs and the Canada Foundation for Innovation supported Institute for Sustainable Horticulture will contribute to research and development related to energy reduction, sustainable production and productivity.

"Partnering with the federal government allows us to invest in campuses all over B.C. to give students the best possible learning experience," said Stilwell. "By renovating and renewing buildings and campuses, we're creating jobs that will boost the region's economy now, and for the future."

"We are exceedingly pleased to learn that Kwantlen Polytechnic University will receive infrastructure support, which will be used to enhance the student learning experience at Kwantlen," said David Atkinson, president and vice-chancellor.

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.

For more information on the provincial government's three-year job creation plan, visit www.gov.bc.ca/infrastructure. For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.