Kwantlen Polytechnic University is getting infrastructure upgrades with $1.1 million in capital funding, thanks to the B.C. government's investment in public post-secondary infrastructure this year.

The upgrades will ensure campus infrastructure and operational systems are performing at optimal levels, which is important to keep our campuses in top operating shape. Work includes roof fall protection upgrades and stair safety tread replacement.

The university and government also announced today how $457,000 in one-time funding provided this spring - http://ow.ly/dbutB - will be used to offer short-term training in the region. The university expects to create seats in a variety of fields over the coming year, including trades training for building service workers and building envelope technicians.

B.C. taxpayers are providing $68.1 million for Kwantlen's operations this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $49.4 million in 2001-02. The number of funded student spaces at the university has increased 13.8 per cent since 2003-04.

More than $78 million in capital investments have been made at KPU since 2001, including $696,000 for new equipment and technology upgrades for its horticulture program at the Langley campus and for plumbing programs at the Cloverdale campus as part of government's $8.75 million in one-time capital allocation for new trades training equipment.

Quotes:

Stephanie Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Panorama -

"As a long-time supporter of Kwantlen University, I'm pleased to see this funding going to safety upgrades. With over $78 million in capital investments since 2001, it's an exciting time to be a student at KPU."

John McKendry, president, Kwantlen Polytechnic University -

"The university is very pleased to have the Ministry of Advanced Education support our plans for physically necessary plant improvements while recognizing the university's judicious management of its capital resources on a multiple year basis. This assistance will greatly enhance the teaching environment at Kwantlen."

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:

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contact:

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