For Immediate Release                                                                

September 8, 2005

McGUINTY GOVERNMENT INVESTS $12.9 MILLION FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AT QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY AND ST.LAWRENCE COLLEGE

KINGSTON – The McGuinty government is investing in the education and skills of Ontarians through capital improvements at St.Lawrence College and Queen’s University, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Chris Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

 “Today’s investment is great news for our post secondary institutions in Kingston, said Gerretsen. “This funding will ensure that new and returning students attending St. Lawrence College and Queen’s University are receiving the best quality of education in the best environment.”

Queen's University is investing $9.1 million in energy efficiency initiatives, maintaining and enhancing classrooms, life/safety code projects, initiatives to improve the exterior of buildings and the appearance of the campus, and e-classroom upgrades.

"This support from government is an important contribution to providing a better learning environment," said Dr. Karen Hitchcock, Principal of Queen’s University. "It will help us catch up on maintenance projects and accommodate our growing numbers of students with more space and the latest technologies."

St. Lawrence College of Applied Arts and Technology is investing its $3.8 million in construction to create a new teaching kitchen for cook, culinary management and continuing education students, as well as in extensive replacements and upgrades to improve its students’ learning environment on its Cornwall, Brockville and Kingston campuses.

“St. Lawrence College is investing in our students. We are very grateful for the new funds that have allowed the College to improve its teaching facilities so that our students can have even better facilities to enhance their learning experience,” said Volker Thomsen, President of St. Lawrence College.

These investments are part of  $250 million in capital funding that is enabling Ontario colleges and universities to refurbish classrooms, laboratories and other academic areas.

“We are rebuilding the foundation for learning. Students returning to the classroom this fall are already benefiting from our government’s commitment to postsecondary education,” said Gerretsen. “Postsecondary institutions are using the funding provided by our government to modernize and repair their buildings and upgrade equipment all across the province.”

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