The next generation of innovators will be critical to finding forward-thinking, sustainable solutions to address the challenges of a swiftly changing world. In Nova Scotia, the Government of Canada is helping Cape Breton University develop the high-quality educational infrastructure needed to advance important research and learning, and help future innovators reach their full potential.

“When it comes to energy in Atlantic Canada, we like to lead. This investment is all about giving students a top-notch learning space where they can learn the skills they need to help Atlantic Canada make the transition to a greener, more sustainable electrical grid.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Cape Breton University has built an international reputation as a facility that is willing to embrace the newest technologies to equip students with the skills they need to address the world’s most complex challenges. I am happy with today’s investment, knowing it will help keep academic talent working and living in Cape Breton, and making our region stronger.”
- Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Cost Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso 

“We are very grateful to the Government of Canada for their continued support of the Centre for Discovery and Innovation. This investment will support state-of-the-art equipment that will contribute to CBU’s next generation of science students, faculty and researchers. The CDI will attract the brightest minds from Cape Breton Island and around the world and give them an opportunity to build research capacity here in Cape Breton.”
- David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor, Cape Breton University

• Cape Breton University is one of the fastest growing universities in Canada with more than 8,000 students and more than 800 employees. 

• This investment of $3.5 million is in addition to the $84 million investment toward the Centre for Discovery and Innovation announced in April 2023 by the Government of Canada, Government of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton University. 

• The Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund was launched on August 20, 2020 and provides $150 million over five years, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), to help communities move away from coal by investing in infrastructure. The initiative is set to end on March 31, 2025.

Related products

• Canada and Nova Scotia invest in a new energy-efficient academic building for Cape Breton University

Associated links

• Innovative Communities Fund
• Canada Coal Transition Initiative
• Cape Breton University
• Centre for Discovery and Innovation

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lenore Parsley
Director, Strategic Communications and Events
Cape Breton University
902-574-1299
lenore_parsley@cbu.ca

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