Messages from Key Stakeholders

Message from Paul Davidson, President, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

Canada’s university campuses are stronger today and better positioned to meet the needs of students and researchers thanks to the substantial investment in smart infrastructure through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

This ambitious program strengthened Canada’s research, innovation and education capacity in ways that will benefit generations to come. The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is also an excellent example of the federal, provincial and territorial governments working together to address an urgent need facing our country.

Federal funding of $1.3 billion was matched by the provinces and other sources for a total of $3.2 billion invested in the universities and colleges that are members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. As a result, students across Canada are learning in new, technology-enhanced classrooms. They’re conducting research in modern labs. And they’re enjoying student life on more sustainable campuses.

Students’ learning experiences have been enhanced by our universities’ ability to attract the best and brightest minds from around the world to work in state-of-the-art facilities. Top researchers are developing cancer treatments and physical rehabilitation techniques in new facilities made possible through KIP funding.

From November 4 to 13, 2011, Canada’s universities were proud to invite the public to see these investments in smart infrastructure for themselves. More than an estimated 10,000 people visited KIP-funded projects at 60 Canadian universities during AUCC’s national Open Doors, Open Knowledge events.

Today’s world is one of rapid change and much uncertainty. Canadians look to our universities to produce the leaders of tomorrow, build prosperity and address the biggest challenges facing our country and the world. We look to our universities to enhance quality of life.

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is an outstanding example of how this is happening.

Paul Davidson
President, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

Message from James Knight, President & CEO, Association of Canadian Community Colleges

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) made a real difference for Canada’s colleges and institutes of technology and their learners.

The Government of Canada’s investment of $686 million matched by provincial and territorial governments, together with college reserve funds and donations, generated 246 projects valued at $1.8 billion. These projects enhanced infrastructure not only by focusing on deferred maintenance such as lighting system upgrades and window and roof replacements, but also on the expansion of buildings, new structures, and in some cases the construction of entire new campuses.

Canada’s demographic deficit and advanced skills shortage will impede long-term global competitiveness and productivity unless colleges and institutes have the institutional capacity to provide employers with skilled graduates essential for economic and social success. With campuses in 1,000 communities, colleges and institutes are rooted in their local economies and uniquely positioned to respond quickly to the human resources needs of employers. Colleges retrain displaced workers, offer customized education, increase access of the disadvantaged to post-secondary education and provide applied research and development support to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The KIP investment supported the economic recovery in the short-term by creating employment and in the long-term by contributing to a more abundant and skilled talent pool. Students will benefit from more accessible post-secondary programs today for the jobs of tomorrow.

In the fall of 2011, colleges and institutes opened their doors to celebrate the completion of projects funded through KIP. We congratulate the Government of Canada and its provincial/territorial partners on the unqualified success of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, and for the vision to invest in Canada’s advanced skills infrastructure.

James Knight
President & CEO, Association of Canadian Community Colleges