News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing nearly $25 million to build the Centre for Healthy Living at the University of New Brunswick through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.

“Your government understands what matters most to New Brunswickers: the economy, education and health care,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “We are proud to partner with the Trudeau government to get things done in these priority areas.”

The provincial government is contributing $8.29 million while the federal government is providing $16.59 million for the project. The university is investing $11.1 million.

The Centre for Healthy Living will provide research and teaching space for the Faculty of Kinesiology, a recognized leader in research and knowledge mobilization in healthy living and health promotion strategies. This new facility will be adjacent to the Richard J. Currie Center and directly linked to the Andrew and Marjorie McCain Human Performance Lab, creating a nationally significant and innovative research cluster in applied health research.

“This project will support industry, both here in Atlantic Canada and across the country, and contribute to building a vibrant economic future by helping grow the middle class and address regional challenges,” said Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard Minister Dominic LeBlanc. “Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are supporting innovation to help improve opportunities for business, create jobs in the Atlantic region and contribute to Atlantic Canada’s reputation as an innovation hub.”

LeBlanc spoke on behalf of federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities, turning discoveries into products or services.

“The proposed Centre for Healthy Living is a project that has been on the university’s priority list for almost a decade,” said university president Eddy Campbell. “Thanks to the generous support of our federal and provincial governments through the Strategic Investment Fund program, the University of New Brunswick will use this new space to grow our nationally significant research cluster focused on health, wellness, physical fitness and health promotion that will help establish New Brunswick as a leader in preventative health care.”

The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is a federal-provincial contribution agreement signed last month. The federal government will provide $49.3 million, the provincial government will invest $35.2 million, and universities will contribute $14.1 million in several projects, resulting in $98.6 million being spent on university and college infrastructure in New Brunswick. It is expected that additional investments will bring the total amount received by colleges and universities in the province to $111 million.

The fund will enhance and modernize research facilities on campuses and improve environmental sustainability.