In a joyous ceremony in Redeemer’s Commons, David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster- Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale announced today that Redeemer University College will be receiving a $2.9 million investment from the federal government’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP). “We are overjoyed with this truly historic announcement,” said Dr. Justin Cooper, President of Redeemer University College. “This is indeed a momentous day for Redeemer, and we praise God for this tremendous blessing. Not only is this the largest single grant in Redeemer’s history, it marks the first time we have received capital funding from the federal government. We sincerely thank Mr. Sweet and the federal government for this important investment in the education of our students.” “This is a great day for Redeemer University College and I’m pleased to be on campus to make this announcement,” said MP Sweet. “Building knowledge infrastructure is so critical to our economy in the short-term and long-term. I’m very encouraged that the federal government is investing in the outstanding work being done here and across the country to prepare our students for the jobs of the future.” The investment will cover one-half of the total cost of more than 25 different projects being called the Academic Complex Renewal Project. The remaining project costs will be covered through Redeemer’s annual capital budget and by donations. “We are very pleased that the federal government has decided to partner with Redeemer and our supporting community to enhance the research and educational opportunities for our faculty and students,” noted Dr. Cooper. “These funds will allow us to upgrade our science labs and increase our capacity for research and teaching in the natural sciences. We will also be using this investment to upgrade the efficiency and sustainability of our academic building.” Many of these projects are ‘shovel-ready’ and will begin promptly. The announcement was made in the presence of the Board of Governors, which was on-campus as part of a regularly-scheduled meeting, and in front of scores of faculty, staff and students. Councillor Lloyd Ferguson and President Emeritus Rev. Dr. Henry R. De Bolster were also present. In his remarks, Dr. Cooper also thanked Bill van Staalduinen, Vice President (Advancement), Alfred Mazereeuw, Director of Physical Plant & Security, and Glenn Reinders, of Reinders & Rieder (Redeemer’s planning consultants), for their tremendous effort in putting the application together under very tight time constraints. This investment is part of the federal government’s two-year, $2-billion plan to repair and expand research and educational facilities at Canadian colleges and universities. The program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. It is also helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada’s colleges and universities at the forefront of scientific advancement. The announcement was reported in the Saturday, May 30 edition of the Hamilton Spectator. For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, please visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.