News Release

For Immediate Release
June 15, 2007

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING GREEN RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO

Part Of McGuinty Government’s Initiatives For A Greener, Healthier Ontario

LONDON – The McGuinty government is helping to protect Ontario’s environment by supporting a leading-edge green research project at the University of Western Ontario, Minister of the Environment Laurel Broten announced on behalf of Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty today.

“By enabling this kind of world-class research to be done right here in Ontario, the McGuinty government is investing in new environmental breakthroughs that will lead to a cleaner, greener and healthier province,” said Broten.

The government is providing $6.7 million to support research at the new green energy building. The project, led by Dr. Hugo De Lasa, will create improved industrial materials and processes that reduce pollution and protect our natural resources.

“This facility will be a showcase for environmental research at Western that enables leading research and provides unique learning opportunities for students,” said Ted Hewitt, vice-president of research and international relations at The University of Western Ontario. “Initiatives like this enhance the university’s – and the province’s – capacity to address issues related to climate change, environmental reform and health that affect us all.”

The investment is part of the Ontario Research Fund’s Research Infrastructure program. The program helps researchers obtain the tools they need to stay on the cutting-edge of innovation, such as lab space, equipment and computer software.

The Ontario Research Fund promotes scientific excellence by supporting research that can be developed into innovative goods and services that will boost Ontario’s economy.

“We are on the side of Ontarians who want a prosperous economy and a clean environment,” said Premier McGuinty. “This project is helping Ontario become a leader in environmental protection and driving the new knowledge-based economy that is based on creative, forward-thinking ideas, leading-edge research and new technologies. We’re making Ontario the place where our homegrown ideas become the high-value jobs of the future.”

All Ontarians have a role to play in making our province greener. The government has already taken action by protecting a greenbelt that stretches across southern Ontario from development, introducing tough new laws that protect our drinking water, producing more renewable energy and doing more to conserve electricity. But we know more needs to be done. That's why our next step will be the announcement of a climate change plan – a step that will help all Ontarians do their part to make our province cleaner and greener while keeping the economy strong.

For more information about the Ontario Research Fund, please visit www.ontario.ca/innovation.