The University of Alberta is pleased the 2012 federal budget recognizes the importance education, research and innovation have as a driver for Canada's future economic prosperity, said president Indira Samarasekera.
Despite tough fiscal realities affecting Canada and nations across the globe, Samarasekera said the government continues to show confidence in the role universities have on the nation's economic landscape.
"The 2012 budget is a clear signal that the federal government recognizes the benefits of investing in research, development and talented people, and the impact it will have on Canadians over the long term," she said.
Samarasekera said the University of Alberta is grateful for continued investments in the science and technology sectors, building upon established commitments to programs and institutions such as the granting councils, Canadian Foundation for Innovation and Genome Canada.
These investments will ensure universities continue to advance Canada's economic, social and cultural priorities, she said.
Highlights of the budget include:
- $500 million over five years, starting in 2014-15, to the Canada Foundation for Innovation to support advanced research infrastructure
- $60 million for Genome Canada to launch a new applied research competition in the area of human health, and to sustain the science and technology centres until 2014-15
- $37 million annually, starting in 2012-13, to the granting councils to enhance their support for industry-academic research partnerships
- $10 million over two years to the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research to link Canadians to global research networks
For more information about the 2012 federal budget, visit www.budget.gc.ca