The University of Victoria will be upgrading its electrical system, thanks to $2.5 million in capital funding. This is the first instalment of a two-year commitment that is part of government's investment in B.C.'s post-secondary infrastructure this year.

The majority of this funding will go towards improving the campus-wide electrical system, as the university prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary. These upgrades will ensure power grid reliability, an important consideration for a research-intensive university undertaking complex projects.

B.C. taxpayers are providing $177 million for UVic's operations this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $120.8 million in 2001-02. The number of funded student spaces at the university has increased 22.4 per cent over that time. Over $250 million in capital investments have been made at the university since 2001, including a six-building refurbishment in 2011, and world-class research facilities, including Neptune and the TRIUMF Advanced Rare IsotopE Laboratory.

Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head -

"Under the BC Jobs Plan, we're working to grow B.C.'s economy. Our investment in UVic will help provide students with the skills they need to reach their goals and meet the demands of B.C.'s employers."

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