Less than half of what the federal government says it’s investing in university and college research infrastructure is actually going to research-related projects, according to a CAUT analysis of the government’s spending announcements.

The analysis shows that most of the projects receiving federal funding from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program — the two-year, $2 billion economic stimulus measure announced in Budget 2009, and widely touted as an “unpre­ce­dented investment in research infrastructure” for post-secondary institutions — are for deferred maintenance, upgrades of general facilities on campuses, and other general capital projects.

By the end of October, of the more than $1.7 billion in project spending only $718 million or 41.4 per cent had gone to research-related infrastructure. The bulk of KIP funds is being distributed for general maintenance and upgrades.

“It’s not that we don’t think the infrastructure at universities and colleges needs fixing,” said CAUT executive director James Turk. “But it’s disingenuous for the government to claim this spending is an investment in research when it isn’t.”

He added that what’s worse, however, is that “at the same time as misrepresenting their investment in research infrastructure, they’re taking money away from Canadian researchers.”

In Budget 2009 the federal government also announced cuts of almost $148 million to the three granting councils that provide the bulk of research funding at Canada’s colleges and universities.

Turk says he’s also concerned about KIP funds so far announced for private institutions. More than $23 million has flowed to at least 14 private institutions.

“Given the chronic underfunding situation facing our public, post-secondary institutions across Canada, it’s unacceptable that the government is diverting public funds to private colleges and universities,” he said.