March 2, 2001 For Immediate Release

BC GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASE

VICTORIA - Another $6.1 million has been approved for the University of Northern British Columbia's lab expansion, clearing the way for the project to go to tender immediately, Prince George North MLA Paul Ramsey announced today on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Cathy McGregor.

"This lab expansion is a crucial element of our plan for the growth of B.C.'s northern university," said Ramsey. "This new laboratory is going to help UNBC to attract and retain top quality researchers and students, and to do more scientific work to benefit northern communities and the people who live here."

The added funding brings the total value of this project to $18.1 million. Moving to tender immediately will allow the lab building to be completed close to its original target date of September 2002.

"This new funding will enable UNBC to develop as a full-scale research institution that specializes in northern issues," said Prince George-Mt. Robson MLA Lois Boone. "The need for extra space for teaching and research shows how successful UNBC has been in attracting students and faculty who want to focus on the sciences."

The new lab will provide another 5,900 square metres for research and teaching. A retrofit of existing labs will also be done.

"I am pleased with the added support the B.C. government is providing to this project," said Max Blouw, UNBC vice-president of research. "Students, staff and the people of this community can rest assured that we will have a new lab of the highest quality by allocating extra funding support for this crucial campus expansion."

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Contact: Nikki McCallum, Communications
Ministry of Advanced Education,
Training and Technology
250-356-8706

Visit the media room at: www.aett.gov.bc.ca/news/