A $5 million investment to help create the Mulroney Institute of Government at St. Francis Xavier University will help attract research and spur the local economy.

Announced today, Oct. 26, by Finance and Treasury Board Minister Randy Delorey, on behalf of Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan, the institute will support research on socio-economic issues, governance and environmental sustainability.

“The Mulroney Institute is an important project that will benefit students, the university, and the entire local community,” said Mr. Delorey. “This project will generate economic activity during construction and create a state-of-the-art space for students, faculty and others to help advance our research and educational priorities.”

The $50 million institute reflects former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s vision of a new, permanent teaching and research program in public policy and governance, with enhanced faculty expertise and significant career prospects for graduates.

“We want to thank the province for its tremendous contribution to the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, a unique academic program aimed at undergraduate students, and to the construction of Mulroney Hall,” said St. Francis Xavier University president Kent MacDonald. “The Mulroney Institute aligns perfectly with the culture of our distinct university and further enhances St. F.X.’s national leadership position in providing university students with the opportunity to learn the critical issues around governance, politics, public service and social justice.

The province recently provided funding for several infrastructure projects at Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions to help modernize campus research facilities and improve environmental sustainability.

Source: Release