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Knowledge Infrastructure Program funding going mostly to repairs, not research 
(Monday, November 02, 2009) - Less than half of what the government says it’s investing on university and college research infrastructure is actually going to research related projects, according to a CAUT analysis of the government’s own funding announcements.

Called the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, and widely touted as an “unprecedented investment in research infrastructure for universities and colleges,” most of the funds being spent through the two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure are going to deferred maintenance, upgrades of general facilities on campuses – such as re-roofing, repairing air conditioning systems and replacing fire alarms – and new general facilities for which they are providing no operating expenses.

As of the end of October, of the just over $1.7 billion that had been spent, only 41%, or just over $718 million, had gone to research-related infrastructure.

“While universities and colleges badly need money for deferred maintenance, it is disingenuous for the federal government to claim this is a $2-billion investment in research” said CAUT executive director James Turk.

What’s worse is they’re saying this at the same time that they’re taking money away from the researchers themselves,” he added.

The government’s public emphasis on research infrastructure spending comes on the heels of funding cuts to the granting councils that fund basic, peer-reviewed research. They face $148 million in cuts over the next three years through the mandated strategic review process.

Turk says he’s also concerned that private institutions have received public funding under the infrastructure program. So far, more than $23-million has gone to at least fourteen private institutions.

“Given the chronic underfunding situation facing our public, post-secondary institutions across Canada, it is unacceptable that the government is diverting public funds to private colleges and universities,” said Turk.
 


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