Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

MP Alice Wong Tours Library at Kwantlen’s Richmond Campus
Canada’s Economic Action Plan Creates Jobs and Strengthens Knowledge Economy

[RICHMOND, BC, March 15, 2011]—The Harper Government has invested in the renewal and expansion of laboratories, learning commons and student facilities at colleges and universities across Canada, including an important investment in Kwantlen’s library.

The project, which will enhance the learning experiences of many students, received a Government of Canada investment of $559,000 through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program. The Program, one of many job creation programs launched in 2009 under Canada’s Economic Action Plan to help respond to the global economic recession, enabled Kwantlen to receive an additional $656,000 in B.C. Provincial funding for the library expansion.

“Our government is investing in research and training facilities at campuses across the country to create jobs, help our economy recover quickly, and improve the quality of life of Canadians,” said Dr. Alice Wong. “This investment is promoting local employment now and will provide the research infrastructure Kwantlen needs for years to come,” she added.

The renovation and expansion of the library at the Richmond campus will allow Kwantlen to meet the increased requirements that come with being granted university status.

Improvements to the building will allow an increase in the number of reading and research materials that can be housed on campus and will improve the learning environment for students.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government is bolstering Canada’s knowledge economy by injecting an additional $6.3 billion into the economy through investments in science, technology and innovation.

“As Canada begins to emerge from the global recession, investments in state-of-the-art research labs, libraries and learning commons are essential to creating and securing valuable, skilled jobs, both now and in the future,” said Dr. Wong, the Member of Parliament for Richmond.

As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a $2-billion economic stimulus measure to maintain and improve research and training facilities at Canadian universities, colleges and CEGEPs. The program is providing economic stimulus, creating jobs and generating the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canadian institutions at the forefront of scientific advancement and ensure economic growth in the future.

For more information on the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, visit the Knowledge Infrastructure Program website (www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/home).

For information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit the Canada’s Economic Action Plan website (www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp).

Picture (left to right): Cathy MacDonald – Head Librarian, Alice Wong – Member of Parliament for Richmond and Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, Barbara Duggan – Dean of Kwantlen’s Faculty of Design, and Mary Jane Stenberg – Special Advisor to the President on Strategic Initiatives.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Office of Alice Wong, MP
Tel: 604-775-5760

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502

Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
604 599 2243

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