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Montréal, January 27, 2009 – The Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities (CREPUQ) is pleased with the announcement by the federal Finance Minister that the government plans to invest in knowledge infrastructure, allowing universities to repair, maintain and renew buildings.

On the basis of extensive studies undertaken in 2008 to establish the value and nature of accumulated deferred maintenance for university infrastructure, CREPUQ estimates that deferred spending amounts to some $1.5 billion, accumulated as a result of systematic under funding of building repairs and maintenance since the 1990s. Repair and maintenance work to research infrastructure has become an immediate necessity, and it falls squarely within the framework of the program that was announced today.

“This plan, combined with funding announced by the Quebec Government, will assist universities in catching up on a portion of their accumulated deferred maintenance, and contribute to efforts by our governments to stimulate a rapid economic recovery,” says Heather Munroe-Blum, President of CREPUQ and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University.

Based on their studies, CREPUQ estimates that more than $415 million is needed for urgent work now and that an additional $535 million will be needed in the next two years.

“High quality buildings are essential for high quality teaching and research,” Munroe-Blum adds. “Today’s announcement is great new for students, researchers and scholars in relation to their research activities.”

CREPUQ once again urges the federal government to increase provincial transfer payments for postsecondary education. The financial situation of Québec universities is fragile and an increase in federal transfers for postsecondary education to previous levels, needed to support quality university education and research and to position Québec universities to compete with the best in the world.

For further information, contact:
Daniel Zizian
Director General
514 288-8524, poste 201