TORONTO, May 3, 2006 -- York University welcomes the $1-billion Post-Secondary Education Trust, the $1.3-billion public transit capital investment fund, the improved student loans program and the continued investment in research and development announced in yesterday’s federal budget.
“It’s encouraging to see the government’s recognition and commitment for urgent post-secondary education projects,” said Dr. Lorna R. Marsden, President and Vice-Chancellor of York University. “The funds are especially important for addressing building, facility and upgrade needs required to educate the next generation.”
For York University’s rapidly expanding student base this is a welcome relief that will provide much needed new space, modernization of existing classrooms and facilities and technological upgrades required of a world-class university focused on interdisciplinary education.
The $1.3-billion public transit capital investment fund is especially significant for York University. York hopes that all three levels of government will be able to commit funds that would make the long awaited Spadina Subway expansion a reality. “We welcome the acknowledgement of the importance of mass transit as recognized by the budget and in concert with the efforts of the City of Toronto, the Government of Ontario and York Region; we fully anticipate that the Spadina Subway extension will now proceed with confirming agreements from all levels of government,” said Marsden.
The improved Canada Students Loans Program is also of significance for York University because more students at York than at any other university apply for student aid. Expansion in the amounts and eligibility for the program will provide enhanced assistance where it is needed the most---in the hands of the students.
The 2006 Budget also provided an additional $100 million per year across Canada as follows:
• $40 million per year for the Indirect Costs of Research program.
• $20 million per year for the Leaders Opportunity Fund of the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
• $17 million per year for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
• $17 million per year for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
• $6 million per year for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
These funding commitments will allow York to continue to increase opportunities for graduate students and expand its research and doctoral programs in all areas.
York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 190,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 faculties and 22 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.
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For more information, contact:
Alex Bilyk
Director, Media Relations
York University
416-736-5603
bilyk@yorku.ca
