The government is investing $105 million to improve infrastructure, foster research and enhance healthcare and training at the province’s rural universities.
The investments include:
$65 million in deferred maintenance investments at St. Francis Xavier University, Acadia University, Université Sainte-Anne and Cape Breton University.
$35 million toward the construction of a Centre for Discovery and Innovation at CBU.
$5 million to execute planning for a strategic health initiative at CBU.
“Ensuring our post-secondary institutions remain competitive and have the space and infrastructure needed to welcome and train the future workforce is essential for our economic future,” said Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education. “These universities are the heart of our rural communities, and these investments will not only improve the student experience, they will enhance access to healthcare training, and create innovative spaces that will house some of the best research facilities and most talented people committed to finding solutions.”
The deferred maintenance investments will allow rural universities to address a significant backlog of infrastructure upgrades and improvements.
Examples include electrical upgrades, roof replacements and accessibility and mechanical upgrades.
St. Francis Xavier will receive $23.4 million for deferred maintenance, Acadia University will receive $22 million, Cape Breton University will receive $14 million and Université Sainte-Anne will receive $5.6 million.
“St. FX is extremely pleased to learn of the Nova Scotia government’s $23.4 million funding announcement for deferred maintenance projects on its campus. The government’s commitment to building a strong post-secondary system is applauded as is their investment in the economy of the northeastern region of Nova Scotia. This funding will allow St. FX to continue, and enhance, its impact in rural Nova Scotia by strongly supporting its mission to build a university the way it is meant to be.” Said Andy Hakin, President and Vice-Chancellor at St. Francis Xavier University.
The Centre for Discovery and Innovation at CBU is a new project that will house state-of-the-art research and instructional facilities.
The planning for the strategic health initiative will research and explore new ways to recruit, train, and retain more vital healthcare workers that Cape Bretoners and Nova Scotians in rural areas of the province need.
