Canada and Prince Edward Island invest to renew infrastructure at UPEI

Released by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Innovation and Canadians will be better equipped for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow as a result of a $2.2 million investment in the University of Prince Edward Island.

This joint federal-provincial investment was announced today by Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by the Honourable Sonny Gallant, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning, on behalf of the Government of Prince Edward Island for the following projects:

Psychology Research Infrastructure
This project will receive $664,000 in SIF funding and $664,000 in provincial funding (total project cost $1.53 million). The project at UPEI's Memorial Hall will target the repair and renovation of the university's psychology research infrastructure. Repairs to the building's foundations, windows, walls, central air and heating systems will improve the energy efficiency and quality of research facilities. The renovation will also improve consultation space for researchers and students to develop greater interactions with community partners in support of research projects in gerontology, social justice, and indigenous issues.

Patient-Oriented Research
This project will receive $300,000 in SIF funding and $300,000 in provincial funding (total project cost $673,600). The project will renovate approximately 4,350 square feet of existing space to expand the Clinic for Patient Oriented Research at the University of PEI. This "living lab" brings patients, health care partners, researchers, UPEI graduate and post-doc students together to engage in learning, collect data, and apply research through new knowledge. Students will gain valuable ‘real world’ learning experiences while working with patients under the mentorship of licensed Health PEI personnel and UPEI researchers.

The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment is a prime example of that vision in action. 

“These infrastructure investments will create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today, while also delivering sustained economic growth for years to come. Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are strengthening the foundation for building Canada into a global centre for innovation, " said Casey.  

“This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation," added Minister Bains. "That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive.”

The funding from the Government of Canada is being allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

“Through the Strategic Infrastructure Fund, we are making investments to help our post-secondary institutions continue their integral role in building a prosperous economy for Prince Edward Island," said Minister Gallant. "We are committed to supporting all Island post-secondary institutions to foster growth, prepare students for well-paying jobs, draw international students and faculty, and drive prosperity for years to come.”

As a result of these investments, students, professors, and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and invent—the high-value jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

“With the renovations at both Memorial Hall and Steel Building, UPEI researchers will have modern, efficient, safer, and more expansive facilities in which to conduct their innovative work," said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. "These infrastructure improvements will allow our students to have access to experiential learning opportunities including greater interactions with the community at large. On behalf of the university community, I thank the federal and provincial governments for their support and investment in UPEI.”

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

Investments in post-secondary facilities are foundational in building a prosperous economy for Prince Edward Island. Island post-secondary institutions foster economic growth, prepare students for well-paying jobs, draw international students and faculty, and drive prosperity throughout the province.


Quick facts

• The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
• The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada’s universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
• The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.