As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Conservative government will significantly expand graduate program scholarships, helping to deliver a more robust, competitive Canadian economy, said Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown.

“Our government is making investments to improve the quality of life for Canadians and strengthen the economy for future generations,” said Brown. “These additional scholarships will help our universities develop the best researchers in the world and keep Canadian talent here at home.”
The Conservative government is providing $87.5 million to the granting councils over three years starting in 2009-10, and will create an additional 500 doctoral scholarships and 1000 master’s scholarships per year.

The new scholarships will help more of the country’s top graduate students to deepen their skills through further study in support of a more innovative economy. Part of the funding will be directed towards business degrees to help Canadian businesses stay competitive on the world stage.

“Newmarket and Aurora students can now look forward to additional assistance for higher learning opportunities at the post-secondary level,” said Brown.
The Canada Graduate Scholarships program is a shared initiative of three granting councils. Of the $87.5 million, $35 million will be allocated to Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, $35 million to Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and $17.5 million to Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.