The governments of Canada and New Brunswick and the University of New Brunswick announced $38 million in joint funding for the construction of the Health and Social Innovation Centre at the University of New Brunswick (UNB)’s Saint John campus.
“Canadians have long been pioneers in the field of healthcare research. There is a tradition of excellence and innovation that lives here – and through this partnership with the Government of New Brunswick and UNB Saint John, we are building on that legacy. All New Brunswickers and all Canadians will benefit from the work that will take place in this new facility,” said Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.
This project involves the demolition of the vacant Ward Chipman Library and the construction of a new 65,000-square-foot, three and a half-story building that will become the Health and Social Innovation Centre. The new building will be connected to nearby walking paths, an underground tunnel system, and a ring road overlooking the campus quad and the Kennebecasis River.
“We are investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure that will support the growth of the health sciences and technology sector in the province. This centre will be home to a new four-year interdisciplinary undergraduate program in health, as well as a research facility for scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs. This is an important development in the transformation of New Brunswick’s health-care sector,” said Blaine Higgs, Premier of New Brunswick.
The new Centre will be designed and built to maintain a low carbon footprint through green building standards and aim for a LEED certification. The Health and Social Innovation Centre will improve community access to state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, as well as informal learning and study spaces, while supporting a sustainable and energy efficient campus.
“Our government is proud to support this important project, which will give UNB Saint John students the facility they need to prepare for successful careers in health care and research. We know that providing access to high-quality education and training facilities is critical to building the skilled workforce we need to support good jobs and economic growth for today and tomorrow,” said Wayne Long, MP for Saint John–Rothesay.
With this new facility, UNB Saint John will become a hub for healthcare research and innovation, further attracting students to healthcare as a field of study and a profession. It will strengthen the province’s healthcare system and benefit all New Brunswickers.
“The Health and Social Innovation Centre is the hub for UNB’s Integrated Health Initiative, an ambitious program designed to transform health care through education, research, partnerships, innovation and knowledge transfer. The federal and provincial governments’ support demonstrates that they share our vision of a Saint-John-based centre of excellence with impact for our province, Atlantic Canada, as well as all of Canada,” said Dr. Paul Mazerolle, president and vice chancellor of the University of New Brunswick.
Featured image: (UNB/SCB)
