CANADA’S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN INCREASES SUPPORT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

Ottawa, March 2, 2009 — “In Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Conservative government is considerably expanding the Canada Graduate Scholarships Program, which will help make the Canadian economy more stable and more competitive,” said Minister Christian Paradis.

“Our government is investing in companies, science and technology in order to create jobs, give Canadians a better quality of life and strengthen the economy for future generations,” said the Member for Mégantic—L’Érable. “These scholarships will help our universities to train the best researchers in the world and keep Canadian talent at home.”

The Conservative government is offering $87.5 million over three years, starting in 2009-2010, to granting councils and will be creating an additional 500 doctoral scholarships and 1000 master’s scholarships each year.

In Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Conservative government is providing an additional investment of over $5.1 billion in science and technology initiatives, including $87.5 million for the Canada Graduate Scholarships Program.

The funding will help more Canadian postgraduate students to further their learning by continuing their studies, which will help support a more innovative economy. Part of the funding will also go to business programs in order to help Canadian businesses to remain competitive internationally.

Three granting councils are participating in the Canada Graduate Scholarships Program. The $87.5 million will be allocated as follows: $35 million to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, $35 million to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and $17.5 million to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.