OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 16, 2012) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), announced a significant investment by the Government of Canada in cutting-edge research infrastructure that will lead to more high-quality jobs in the knowledge and resource sectors. This investment also has the potential to result in new, innovative spin-off companies.
"Our government recognizes that investing in science and technology leads to a stronger, more innovative economy," said Minister of State Goodyear. "We understand that Canada's research enterprise is critical to economic growth and job creation."
The $44.5-million investment through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) supports 210 research projects across the country in areas of health, agriculture and education, including the following:
- Simon Fraser University researchers are working to understand how to best use data mining and social media tools to improve health care.
- McGill University researchers are finding new ways to produce, trace and dispose of organic chemicals.
- Memorial University researchers are looking at the effects of agricultural drainage and climate change on northern ecosystems.
"Given the right infrastructure, this talented group of innovators will create solutions that benefit Canadians and Canadian communities," said Dr. Gilles G. Patry, President and CEO of the CFI.
A full list of the funded projects is available online at www.innovation.ca.
Since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested nearly $8 billion in initiatives supporting science, technology and the growth of innovation firms in Canada, including $5 billion for advanced research, education and training; $2 billion for post-secondary infrastructure; and $1 billion for applied research and financing. This funding has helped to make Canada a world leader in post-secondary education research and to create the knowledge and highly skilled workforce that are required for a more prosperous economy.
About the Canada Foundation for Innovation
The Canada Foundation for Innovation gives researchers the tools they need to think big and innovate. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment in Canada's universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions, the CFI is helping to attract and retain the world's top talent, to train the next generation of researchers, to support private-sector innovation and to create high-quality jobs that strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life for all Canadians. For more information, visit www.innovation.ca.