University of Saskatchewan responds to federal budget

Officials at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) are pleased with Tuesday's federal budget announcement, which included significant investments for research, innovation and support for post-secondary education.

Interim President Gordon Barnhart noted that federal support for universities will be key for the future of the U of S and will help the university strengthen its research activities and impact.

"Support for research and innovation is an important theme in this budget, with the federal government investing more than $1.5 billion in this area through increases to granting agencies and federal programs," said Barnhart. "Our researchers at the U of S will benefit greatly from that investment. It also signals the importance of post-secondary to the government."

Current and future Aboriginal students will also benefit from the 2015 budget, which included $12 million in support for post-secondary scholarships and bursaries for First Nations and Inuit students. The U of S has one of the highest proportions of Aboriginal students in the country.

"Our researchers need state-of-the-art equipment, tools and technology in order to conduct, partner and share their research results," said Vice-President Research Karen Chad. "This budget provides $1.33 billion in dedicated support for infrastructure through the Canadian Foundation for Innovation alone, which is one of the important programs that supports a number of our researchers at the U of S."

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For more information, contact:
James Shewaga
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1851
james.shewaga@usask.ca
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