Tony to Tony

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN, MP

************************* Martin presses government for imminent infrastructure funding for Algoma U, Sault College OTTAWA - With construction season a month old already and double-digit unemployment figures spiking, Sault MP Tony Martin delivered in the House of Commons today letters to Industry Minister Tony Clement to speed up infrastructure funding for Algoma University and Sault College [rebuild drawing shown]. Algoma University has submitted a revised project for its priority infrastructure project which Martin hopes will be a first phase "down payment" for a full Biosciences and Technology Convergence Centre. "With shovels already in the ground there and the imaginative way the project links education, innovation and business in the biosciences and technology domains, it is the type of initiative that certainly fits the stimulus plan criteria," Martin's letter states. "As my earlier letter noted, this project fits the government's science and technology strategy. It is exciting to see both the current and the potential of future research that will serve the region, the country and the world." Martin in a separate letter urged a quick decision for Sault College's application to modernize its campus with an energy-efficient, teaching and learning space.

"Construction season has started and the need for jobs and economic stimulus is urgent, with double-digit unemployment continuing to rise," Martin said. "As you know, a post-secondary institution like Sault College plays a vital role as an economic developer for the city."

The two letters are reprinted below. The Honourable Tony Clement Industry Minister House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 May 26, 2009

Dear Minister Clement, I am encouraged by the developments regarding the support of the government for the revised project application for the Biosciences and Technology Infrastructure Program. I wholeheartedly support this new application as I did the original proposal in a letter sent April 28 this year. With shovels already in the ground there and the imaginative way the project links education, innovation and business in the Biosciences and Technology domains, it is the type of initiative that certainly fits the stimulus plan criteria. As my earlier letter noted, this project fits the government's Science and Technology strategy.

It is exciting to see both the current and the potential of future research that will serve the region, the country and the world. This will be an extraordinary down payment on a full Biosciences and Technology Convergence Centre and on the region's economy. Yours sincerely, Tony Martin, MP Sault Ste. Marie cc: Dr. Celia Ross, Algoma University Dr. David deYoe, ULERN Tom Vair, Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre Donna Irving, SSM City Clerk

************************* May 27, 2009 Hon. Tony Clement Minister of Industry House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Dear Tony:

I was happy to read your recent letter to the editor in the Sault Star (attached) where among other projects for Northern Ontario you refer to Sault College's building project that would renew about half its campus.

It is an ambitious project that has my wholehearted support and should be a priority for infrastructure funding into the community.

I particularly hope there can be decisions and announcements on this project included in imminent infrastructure funding for the riding.

Construction season has started and the need for jobs and economic stimulus is urgent, with double-digit unemployment continuing to rise.

The college project would replace aging buildings with energy efficient modern learning and teaching space.

I am told that three-quarters of the college's buildings are four decades old or older.

To attract students, teachers and investment, they want to improve the campus and bring its functionality into the 21st century.

The project also meets the stimulus plan criteria, is ready to go, and can be completed by the 2011 deadline.

As you know, a post-secondary institution like Sault College plays a vital role as an economic developer for the city.

Should you require any further information, I am happy to assist your department and staff.

Yours sincerely, Tony Martin, MP Sault Ste. Marie

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