TORONTO - The Ontario government's $4 billion investment in educational infrastructure will help create and strengthen the knowledge infrastructure of the economy as well as provide a boost to local job creation, according to the Council of Ontario Universities.

"We applaud the government and welcome this investment, which supports our students and faculty with the modern facilities needed for learning and research as well as stimulating construction activity around the province," said Dr. Paul C. Genest, President of COU. "In turn, this investment helps our province in advancing its leadership in the global economy since talent and research are fundamental drivers of growth.

The investment follows significant infrastructure funding from the government last year to address the aging of Ontario's universities. Last year, the Ontario government dedicated $335 million to repair and renewal at Ontario universities to address the backlog of maintenance projects including installation of more energy efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems.

"This announcement is a sign of the Ontario government's continuing leadership in advancing education, coming as it does during these tough economic times" said Genest. "The Premier and his government recognize that success in the knowledge economy will go to places that are innovative, productive and technologically savvy. The government is laying the foundation for that success with investments like these in knowledge infrastructure."

Ontario universities, which operate in 27 communities around the province, have two-thirds of their space in buildings that are over 30 years old. At the same time, ever-growing student numbers have accelerated the demand for new construction to accommodate not only new technologies to support educational environments and leading edge research, but also the government's requirements for enhanced accessibility and energy efficiency.

"These new investments will ensure that university labs, libraries and classrooms are able to prepare students for the challenges of the future as well as conduct the cutting edge research that is critical to creating new products, services and treatments," said Genest. "They will help the Ontario economy to rebound rapidly from this difficult recession."