Federal Budget: Brief
Harper invests in university infrastructure
Federal budget includes funding for post-secondary maintenance and building projects
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Universities received money in the federal budget for campus maintenance and facility repair projects. Photo: Sydnee Bryant
The federal budget set aside up to $2 billion of infrastructure funding for universities and colleges today.
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty confirmed the investment, which Infrastructure Minister John Baird announced at a pre-budget press conference on Monday.
The budget items focused on funding for deferred maintenance and facility repair projects. Industry Canada will manage the spending, with 70 per cent going to Canadian universities and the remaining 30 per cent to colleges.
The federal government will pay for up to half of each project at individual institutions, leaving room for provincial governments to provide complementary funding.
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New post-secondary infrastructure spending compared to 2008 budget items
Post-secondary infrastructure spending was identified in the budget as means to enhance the educational experience, while also providing economic benefits.
The post-secondary cash infusion was part of a $7-billion infrastructure package designed to stimulate the Canadian economy.
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