Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Memorial’s St. John’s campus today.

The Government of Canada has invested $99.8 million in the Core Science Facility and today Gary Kachanoski, president of Memorial, Iris Petten, chair of the Board of Regents, and Ann Browne, associate vice-president (facilities), welcomed Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister Seamus O’Regan and MP Nick Whalen to the construction site.

“There really should be no doubt that the Government of Canada is one of Memorial’s most important and supportive partners,” said Dr. Kachanoski.

“As Newfoundland and Labrador’s only university, Memorial plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, fostering new ways of knowing and problem solving, and discovering new knowledge through creative activities, scholarship and research. We simply cannot do this important work without the Government of Canada.”

Prime Minister Trudeau recognized the role universities play in innovation and economic development.

“Innovation begins at our colleges and universities,” he said. “Our government will continue to invest in state-of-the-art projects – like Memorial University’s new Core Science Facility – to prepare Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and make Canada even more competitive on the world stage.”

The Core Science Facility is a $325 million project, with $99,855,277 coming from the Government of Canada through the New Building Canada Fund and $25,144,723 coming from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Memorial University is responsible for the remaining project costs.

The building will provide modern research and laboratory teaching spaces for the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.

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President Kachanoski greets Prime Minister Trudeau.

Photo: Richard Blenkinsopp

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The Prime Minister greets construction workers.

Photo: Richard Blenkinsopp

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President Kachanoski, Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister O'Regan and MP Whalen view renderings of the Core Science Facility.

Photo: Richard Blenkinsopp

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MP Whalen shares a land acknowledgement and introduces Prime Minister Trudeau.

Photo: Richard Blenkinsopp

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President Kachanoski acknowledges the Government of Canada as a "tremendous partner."

Photo: Richard Blenkinsopp

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Ann Browne, Iris Petten and Minister O'Regan look on as Prime Minister Trudeau addresses media.

Photo: Richard Blenkinsopp

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A quick selfie before leaving campus.

Photo: Richard Blenkinsopp

While the Core Science Facility is an active construction site, the event was held within a secured safe zone.