Local Universities Welcome Federal Funding for Graduate Scholarships

February 27, 2009

WATERLOO — As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government of Canada will significantly expand graduate program scholarships, helping to deliver a more robust, competitive Canadian economy.
 
“Our government is investing in business, science and technology to create jobs, improve the quality of life for Canadians and strengthen the economy for future generations,” said MP Peter Braid. “These additional scholarships will help our universities develop the best researchers in the world and keep Canadian talent here at home.”
 
The Conservative government is providing $87.5 million to the granting councils over three years starting in 2009-10, and will create an additional 500 doctoral scholarships and 1000 master's scholarships per year. 

“Wilfrid Laurier University welcomes the increase in graduate scholarship funding and applauds the federal government for recognizing the important role that post-secondary education plays in all aspects of society,” said Laurier President Dr. Max Blouw.

"The University of Waterloo welcomes this investment in graduate studies," said Dr. Alan George, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Waterloo. "History has shown that a difficult economy leads more people to seek further education and this funding will help UW provide a quality experience to a growing number of graduate students."
 
As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government is providing an additional investment of over $5.1 billion toward science and technology initiatives, including $87.5 million for the Canada Graduate Scholarships program.  
 
The funding will help more of the country’s top graduate students to deepen their skills through further study in support of a more innovative economy. Part of the funding will also be directed towards business degrees to help Canadian businesses stay competitive on the world stage. 
 
The Canada Graduate Scholarships program is a shared initiative of three granting councils. Of the $87.5 million, $35 million will be allocated to Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, $35 million to Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and $17.5 million to Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.