Government continues infrastructure announcements
Yesterday, Announcer-in-chief and Minister of Science Gary Goodyear announced Alberta’s share of the Government’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP). A total of 28 post-secondary institutions will share $348-million. DLCB points out that UofAlberta will receive $127.6-million for three projects, roughly twice UBC’s $64.2-million. Whether they are pointing this out in the spirit of healthy rivalry, or whether they may be suggesting that the government recognizes their constituency is more likely to appreciate investment in Edmonton than in Vancouver is unclear (ok, it’s actually me making that suggestion…).
Late last week, Nova Scotia had their share of the KIP announced by Defence Minister Peter MacKay, “on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry”, according to the press release (why it was on behalf of Minister Clement and not Minister Goodyear is a conundrum to me). Nova Scotia will receive $113.9-million for 25 projects across the province.
While these announcements are supposed to serve to drum up excitement and interest in the Government’s investment in research, the redundancy of the proceedings (notwithstanding the rotating cast of Ministers and associated MPs who show up) is clearly reflected even in the government press releases which accompany the announcements. The three announcements so far (including BC’s $455.1-million) are identical, save for three elements: an opening paragraph which details the province involved and amount received; a quote from an appreciative provincial politician; and a moving example of how the funds will be applied. The rest are identical paragraphs of standard government talking points, including a statement which captures why scientists are underwhelmed about this supposed commitment to “research”:
The [KIP] program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. It is also helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada’s research and educational facilities at the forefront of scientific advancement.
The program will create jobs in construction. Oh, and it will also help generate scientific advancement and whatever…
