Report profiles University of Regina's economic impact
Posted: September 12, 2012 3:30 p.m.
The University of Regina represents four per cent of Regina's GDP, and generates $291 million in total provincial GDP and $319.1 million nationally. Photo: U of R Photography
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The University of Regina is well-positioned to emerge as one of the most important public institutions guiding Saskatchewan's growth, concludes a report prepared by The Conference Board of Canada and released today.
University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Vianne Timmons said the report provides an accurate account of the University's impact locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.
"To help in our planning processes, we sought the assistance of an independent, experienced and highly-regarded research institute, The Conference Board of Canada, to provide comprehensive data on the University's far-reaching impact on the economic, cultural and social fabric of our growing city and province, as well as regions beyond our provincial borders," said Timmons.
"The resulting report demonstrates that the University is coming of age, and is poised to contribute in even more ways as it embarks on its second century since the foundation of Regina College in 1911," she continued.
"The new Saskatchewan has all the conditions that stimulate excellence in a university -- tremendous opportunities, daunting challenges, and the dream of a bright future," said Diana MacKay, Director, Education, Health and Immigration, The Conference Board of Canada. "Our research shows that the University of Regina is achieving that potential, and ready for more."
The study, entitled “Fuelling the Surge: The University of Regina’s Role in Saskatchewan’s Growth,” shows both what has been accomplished and what the University is contributing toward the province’s growth going forward.
Among the highlights, the University of Regina:
- Employs, together with the federated colleges, approximately 4,550 people and supports 970 additional full-time jobs in Saskatchewan, as well as another 570 outside of the province;
- Remits $37.6 million in payroll taxes annually, as well as more than $2.8 million in annual PST and more than $1.3 million in annual GST;
- Represents 4 per cent of Regina’s GDP, and generates $291 million in total provincial GDP and $319.1 million nationally;
- Secures research grants totaling $24 million annually; and
- Helps generate $375 million in economic activity for Saskatchewan through Innovation Place at the main campus.
"With an alumni base of more than 60,000, approximately 2,200 graduates per year and record enrolment of more than 13,000 students, the University of Regina is fulfilling a significant proportion of the province’s growing need for a university-educated workforce," Timmons added.
Through its institutional purpose and goals, the University performs seven major roles, according to The Conference Board of Canada’s report: producing skilled graduates; creating and discovering knowledge; performing research and development; providing expert advice and consultation services; generating knowledge-intensive enterprises; creating beneficial and attractive cultural environments; and developing leadership capacity.
As a cultural and community driver, the University regularly hosts music, theatre, film and arts events that bring community members together, and helps to further the educational outcomes of Saskatchewan’s First Nations and Métis people, which is central to the future prosperity of the province.
As a stimulator of research, innovation, and internationalization, the University: maintains partnerships with 90 institutions in more than 20 countries; holds 90 patents, focusing on energy, environment and computer software; helps support 18 research institutes and 50 research laboratories; and is home to 10 Canada Research Chairs who are leaders in their field.
The full report is available on the University of Regina website at: http://www.uregina.ca/orp/papers.shtml.