Most of the money -- $24.2 million -- will be spent on upgrades at the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health on Arlington Street. Also receiving building and equipment improvements are: the Freshwater Institute ($1 million), Health Canada's Manitoba Regional Laboratory on Lagimodiere Boulevard ($5.5 million) and the RCMP's forensic science lab ($4 million).

"Over the next two years, construction work and the sourcing of equipment and materials will create local jobs and boost local economies," [Vic Toews] told a news conference at the RCMP lab in Winnipeg. "Workers will be hired to address maintenance issues ranging from the replacement of roofs, ventilation systems and boilers to updating electrical systems."