Investment in Infrastructure at Acadia University
Nova Scotia youth will benefit from a $22.2 million investment that will upgrade and enhance Acadia University's science complex.
The joint investment was announced today, Sept. 14, by Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan and Treasury Board of Canada president Scott Brison, on behalf of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains.
"We know that innovation, R&D, and entrepreneurship are a key to Nova Scotia’s success. This is another example of government creating opportunities for young Nova Scotians," said Ms. Regan. "This project will give Acadia students access to modern, high-quality facilities that will prepare them for successful careers, and help build the skilled workforce we need to support good jobs and economic growth for today and tomorrow."
The enhanced science complex will promote intensified research and commercialization activities at Acadia. Of the $22.2 million total investment, $5.5 million will come from the province, $10.5 million from the federal government, and $6.2 million from the university and other donors. The funding will be used to renovate and upgrade Huggins Hall and Elliott Hall, and expand a link between the buildings into an innovation pavilion to support the complex's research and commercialization capacity.
The federal funding is allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund which helps modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improves the environmental sustainability of these facilities.
"Investments like these in Atlantic Canada will support our world-class researchers and position Canada as a global leader in research excellence and innovation," said Mr. Brison. "Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are providing Canada's students with the education and training they need to join a strong, healthy middle class."
"This investment addresses an important infrastructure need at Acadia, and will modernize laboratories that are more than 50 years old while significantly reducing our environmental footprint," said Acadia University president and vice-chancellor Ray Ivany. "The Innovation Pavilion will provide new space for students and faculty who are actively engaged in research that is directly beneficial to Annapolis Valley sectors such as agriculture, green energy, and information technology. We are grateful for this investment that allows us to proceed immediately with a project that will strengthen one of the foundational elements of Acadia's academic programming and increase our capacity to support Nova Scotia's knowledge economy."