UOIT welcomes federal budget commitments to infrastructure and research programs

OSHAWA, ON. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) is applauding yesterday's federal budget and its commitment to new funding and programs that will ensure universities have a lead role in partnering with the government to help revitalize the national economy.

Of particular note, UOIT welcomed the budget's inclusion of almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years and a further $2 billion for deferred maintenance and repair projects at universities and colleges.

"UOIT is pleased with the emphasis that this federal budget places on partnering with universities to help Canada emerge from these challenging times as a stronger, more innovative country that is looked upon as a global leader," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president of UOIT. "Committing new funds to construction projects that will establish new laboratories and learning spaces to foster groundbreaking research and programs that will produce our country's next-generation professionals, is clearly aligned with UOIT's priorities. The university is particularly pleased that this will bring new opportunities, new jobs and new economic activity to communities such as Durham Region, which have been hit hard by layoffs and plant closures."

UOIT was part of a delegation of three Ontario universities that recently appeared before MPs at pre-budget consultations in Ottawa. The group represented communities that have suffered considerably given their heavy automotive industry base and demonstrated the role universities can play in helping to rebuild and diversify economic activity at the local, provincial and national levels.

Other budget measures that will benefit universities include:

• The announcement that the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) will develop a strategic plan to guide its activities and future competitions beyond 2010. Numerous UOIT professors have earned CFI awards to further their innovative research work;
• New funds for the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program, which among other initiatives, provides companies with support to hire recent graduates from universities and colleges, for up to one year, to work on innovative business strategies and technology-related projects; and
• New funds for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. In the coming years, these funds will create hundreds of new scholarships for students pursing doctoral and master-level degrees.

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About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's more than 5,500 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; and Science. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@uoit.ca