Students at Simon Fraser University will benefit from improved and upgraded campus facilities, thanks to $1.7 million in capital funding that is part of government's investment in B.C.'s post-secondary infrastructure this year.

The upgrade work will ensure infrastructure and operational systems are functioning at optimal levels in buildings at the main campus in Burnaby.

B.C. taxpayers are providing over $217 million for Simon Fraser University's operations this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $170.3 million in 2001-02. The number of funded student spaces at the university has increased almost 20 per cent since 2003-04.

More than $275 million in capital investments have been made at SFU since 2001, including recent extensive renovations to the Shrum Science building and Podium 2 at the Surrey campus.

Harry Bloy, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed -

"A highly-skilled workforce is vital to a growing economy. This investment in campus facilities will ensure that students have the tools to enter the workforce and help sustain this growth for years to come."

Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North -

"With this funding for infrastructure renewal, SFU students will benefit from an enhanced educational experience."

Andrew Petter, president, Simon Fraser University -

"Provision of this funding will assist SFU to address the pressing need for deferred maintenance of our aging Burnaby campus."

Funding for B.C. post-secondary institutions:

• $23.7 billion - amount of money invested in post-secondary education in B.C. since 2001.
• 57 per cent - the increase in total operating funding since 2001 across the university sector, along with a 26 per cent increase in total operating funding for the college and institute sector since 2001.
• $1.9 billion - the amount invested in support of post-secondary education this year.
• $10,090 - amount per full-time student funded by the provincial government, up from $8,440 in 2001-02.

Learn More:

www.bcjobsplan.ca

Media Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400