In the recent 2022 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada highlighted its plan to continue its sound stewardship of the economy and to be there for Canadians. To help families cope with increasing costs, like rising prices at the checkout counter, the government is delivering targeted support to the Canadians who need it the most, including by: doubling the GST Credit for 11 million eligible Canadians; enhancing the Canada Workers Benefit to support 4.2 million Canadians; and making federal student and apprentice loans permanently interest free for the graduates of today and tomorrow.
Today the Honourable Minister Harjit Sajjan, and Mr. Terry Beech, MP for Burnaby North-Seymour, announced $599,000 to support capacity at SFU's Big Data Hub. The government's investment in The Hub at Simon Fraser University (SFU) will increase the capacity of the Supercomputer Cedar, create an online consulting space to facilitate in-person and remote data-related consulting services, acquire 12 high-performance computers for the Hub's computing lab, and hire staff to support industry engagement efforts. These program activities will help Small and Medium Sized BC Businesses increase productivity and remain competitive.
Minister Sajjan and Mr. Beech also announced $2,046,760 in funding for 4D LABS to support the late-stage testing and demonstration of innovative clean technologies through the establishment of the Centre for Environmental and Food Analysis (CEFA). The CEFA will support industry to commercialize clean technologies, and municipalities and Indigenous communities to adopt and utilize clean technologies. The government's investment will help SFU install an operate a suite of equipment like environmental electron microscope, X-ray characterization equipment, particle size analyzer, as well as related facility renovations and upgrades.
At Simon Fraser University, Minister Sajjan and Mr. Beech met with researchers and students to highlight the government's plan to permanently eliminate interest on federal student and apprentice loans and invest in tax credits for clean technologies and clean hydrogen that will help create good jobs and make Canada a leader in the net-zero transition.
