University News

Canada-Quebec Agreement - Knowledge Infrastructure Program
Renovated Science Laboratories Re-Open at Bishop’s University

March 14, 2011

SHERBROOKE, QC—With dignitaries, students and faculty on-hand Monday morning, Bishop’s University officially re-opened its science laboratories following extensive renovations to its Johnson science building.

These renovations were made possible by a financial contribution of $2.2 million from the Government of Canada and an equal contribution from the Government of Quebec, through the Canada-Quebec Knowledge Infrastructure Program Agreement.  Those investments, totalling $4.4 million, have permitted the modernization of the teaching laboratories used by both Bishop’s University and Champlain Regional College.

“Thanks to this investment on the part of both governments, students now have access to modern, high-quality laboratories, helping to prepare them for graduate studies and their careers,” said Bishop’s Principal Michael Goldbloom. “It is an investment in today’s students, who will become tomorrow’s nurses, doctors, researchers and other professionals.”

First opened in 1965, the science laboratories in Johnson building had not undergone significant renovations since that time. The newly renovated laboratories now meet current educational and safety requirements, including the strict standards of today’s building and fire codes. Ventilation and energy efficiency have also been improved, while new furniture and fixtures have been added to ensure that these laboratories will meet the needs of students for decades to come. Additionally, over $600,000 has been invested in new laboratory equipment, thanks in part to the generous support of individual and corporate donors like Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck Frosst.

About Bishop’s University

Bishop’s University is regarded as a centre of excellent research and teaching in the sciences. Over the last six years, Bishop’s science faculty have won over $2.5 million in external research funding. Bishop’s University offers undergraduate programs in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics, and graduate programs in chemistry, computer science and physics.

About the Knowledge Infrastructure Program

The agreement signed by the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec is part of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program. This program is aimed at improving college and university research infrastructure in addition to stimulating economic activity. By the end of the program nearly $460 million will have been invested by the federal government in Quebec's institutions of higher education.

In addition to this amount, the Government of Quebec and its partners have invested $621 million, for a combined federal-provincial investment of more than one billion dollars. The projects consist in the construction of new facilities, as well as asset maintenance, renovation, repairs, and general upkeep work. In Quebec, nearly 300 projects have been selected.

To learn more about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.

To learn about progress being made as part of the Plan québécois des infrastructures, visit www.infrastructures.gouv.qc.ca.

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