For Immediate Release
March 8, 2006

ONTARIO, CATALONIA BUILDING BRIDGES TO FUTURE PROSPERITY

Governments Agree To Pursue Science And Technology Collaborations

Tony Wong, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Research and Innovation, and Carles Solà, the Catalan Minister of Universities, Research and the Information Society, signed a letter of intent to pursue common interests in science and technology to build future economic success.

TORONTO -- The governments of Ontario and Catalonia, Spain, today agreed to work together on international research and development to build future economic success.

"Countries and places that invest in innovation will be home to the most rewarding jobs, the strongest economies and the best quality of life," said Dalton McGuinty, Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation. "I'm thrilled we are enriching our relationship with Catalonia. Together, we can build on our shared strengths and develop innovative ideas that will improve our quality of life."

Tony Wong, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Research and Innovation, and Carles Solà, the Catalan Minister of Universities, Research and the Information Society, signed a letter of intent at a diplomatic meeting today, to pursue common interests in science and technology.

Ontario and Catalonia have identified photonics, nanotechnologies, materials and advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, information and communication technologies, emerging technologies and agriculture as research fields of mutual interest.

"Ontario and Catalonia have many shared interests, and this letter of intent paves the way for a mutually beneficial relationship between us," said Tony Wong. "This is one of the steps we are taking to build a foundation that will allow Ontario to compete and win in the global innovation race."

The letter of intent encourages Ontario and Catalonia to share scientific knowledge and commercial opportunities, and promotes the exchange of academics and researchers between the two jurisdictions. It is a step towards the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

"Our economies have many mutual interests and there is unlimited potential for our continued growth," said Carles Solà, Catalan Minister of Universities, Research and the Information Society. "The signing of this agreement illustrates the effective relationship that Catalonia and Ontario have developed, and I look forward to our continued partnership."

There have been a number of visits between Catalonia and Ontario over the last year. Representatives of the universities of Guelph, McMaster, Toronto and Waterloo, and the Ontario Centres of Excellence, visited Catalan research institutes and industries in late February to discuss research and development collaborations.

"To help us unlock our vast potential and create a province that is truly innovative, we must strengthen our ties with jurisdictions that have goals similar to ours," said Premier McGuinty. "By sharing knowledge and bringing thinkers and innovators together, both jurisdictions will benefit."

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