"In a time of restraint, this budget provides new monies that demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to higher education and improved access for all students," said Marsden. "York is well-positioned to benefit from the support this budget gives to innovative research. We welcome new measures that will allow more students to pursue post-secondary education by increasing access to more funds while reflecting the ability of students to repay debt and expenses."

The priority given to post-education is reflected through a wide and comprehensive range of educational initiatives, including increasing student loan limits, the new Canada Learning Bond and the enhancement of the Canada Education Savings Grant.

"This federal budget clearly recognizes the importance of investing in university research in order to ensure that Canada remains a world-leading knowledge society," said Stan Shapson, York’s vice-president research & innovation. "Monday’s investments into research, commercialization, and communities will allow York University to continue to grow its basic and applied research activities and serve as a driver of innovation, economic and social growth in the GTA. York will also serve as a regional magnet through its leadership of several cluster strategies and continue its leadership role in knowledge transfer."

The budget also contained measures that demonstrate the federal government is responding to financial needs of the city of Toronto.

"The long-over due extension of the subway remains a top priority for York and the more than 50,000 students, faculty and staff on our campus," said Dr. Marsden. "We look forward to more concrete signs from the Prime Minister that an urgently needed investment in Toronto’s transit system will follow."

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For more information or to arrange interviews, the media should contact:

David Fuller
Media Relations
York University
416-736-2100, ext. 22091
YU/048/04