This release was issued under a previous government.
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology will receive more than $20 million for three projects under the federal government’s Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund (SIF). While these funds will contribute to modernizing existing facilities, these projects will also improve energy efficiency on campus.
“Good jobs begin with a good education, which is why it’s critical that we support our colleges, universities and technical training institutes. These key infrastructure investments ensure Albertans have access to state-of-the-art learning and training facilities, while addressing the need to create jobs and diversify our economy.”
Improvements in SAIT’s Green Building Technologies Lab and Demonstration Centre not only will expand advanced research and training opportunities, they will also help the institution meet a net-zero energy standard. Additional upgrades to the John Ware Building and mechanical and electrical upgrades to the Senator Burns Building will improve environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10 per cent, creating a more modern and efficient campus for students.
The projects combined are expected to create more than 270 jobs at any given time over the course of construction.
“Encouraging scientific awareness in Alberta and across Canada depends on supporting our world-class scientists and researchers. Investments like this can help make our country among the world’s leading nations in the development and use of clean and sustainable technologies and processes, while also creating well-paying jobs for Canadians. Through the Strategic Investment Fund we are helping to strengthen the foundation for building scientific excellence in Canada.”
“SAIT is grateful for the ongoing support of the Government of Canada. The impact of this funding extends beyond infrastructure. This is an investment in our students, applied education and the economy. It will help us continue to innovate, provide relevant programs and set our students up for success, ensuring they are career-ready when they graduate.”
The federal investment builds on provincial funding at post-secondary institutions this year. Under Budget 2016, the Alberta Jobs Plan, the Government of Alberta made a commitment to invest $449 million for post-secondary capital projects and renewal across the province. This investment, combined with federal funding, will help modernize student spaces, boost the quality of instruction and enhance the research capacity and environmental sustainability at our institutions.
The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is a time-limited program that will provide up to $2 billion over the next two years to accelerate infrastructure projects at universities and colleges across Canada.