Alberta announces more than $22M in funding for University of Calgary
The province has announced a $22 million boost in funding for the University of Calgary to support research infrastructure and technology development.
The money comes from Alberta's Research Capacity Program, and will be provided over the course of four years.
The government says the money will help build the facilities and infrastructure needed to support 11 research projects, which will attract new talent and investment to the province.
"These projects are collaborative in nature and some involve participation from researchers at facilities from across Canada," the news release stated.
"The Alberta government’s investment in the University of Calgary leverages close to $170 million allocated for these projects across partner institutions, including the Canada Foundation for Innovation, other participating institutions, non-profit organizations and industry collaborators."
The government says the projects will support leading-edge discoveries in health and wellness, infectious diseases, machine learning, energy storage solutions, clean energy technology, quantum computing, wireless telecommunications and more.
“Transformative research is the engine that will drive diversification forward and power Alberta’s economy for the future," Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer said.
University of Calgary president and vice-chancellor Ed McCauley says the money will help support innovative and game-changing research.
"This funding means a range of research projects in health, science and engineering can take a big step forward," McCauley said in a news release.
The Research Capacity Program helps Alberta’s post-secondary institutions get equipment and research infrastructure.
This new funding is in addition to $4.9 million in Research Capacity Program funding for the U of C’s SMILE-UVI satellite project announced in October 2020.
NDP RESPONDS
Late Mondy afternoon, NDP Advanced Education Critic David Eggen released a statement saying the additional funding was meagre compared to what the UCP has already cut from Alberta post secondary institutions.
“Today’s funding announcement is a fraction of the amount the UCP has cut to post-secondaries across the province," it said.
“The UCP has already cut $87 million from the University of Calgary and $110 million from the University of Alberta with $700 million in planned cuts across the system under their government.
“The best asset for our future is education. If we want to diversify our economy and keep Albertans in the province, we need to be investing in our education system.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.