For Immediate Release
January 7, 2008

NEW WORLD CLASS RESEARCH INSTITUTE COMES TO WINDSOR

McGuinty Government Investment Boosts Innovation And Job Creation

WINDSOR — A $5-million McGuinty government investment will help establish the brand new Institute for Diagnostic Imaging Research at the University of Windsor — and help make Windsor a focal point for research and innovation development across Ontario and around the world, Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson announced today.

The institute will work collaboratively with leading private-sector partners to develop new acoustical imaging technologies for use in the automotive, health care and public safety sectors. Industry estimates peg the global market for such applications at $21 billion.

“This investment is part of the McGuinty government’s strategy to boost Ontario’s competitive advantage by fostering the research talent and innovative ideas that create jobs and prosperity,” said Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson.

The announcement comes on the heels of a December 13 Fall Economic Statement — a  $3-billion plan to strengthen Ontario’s economy with targeted business tax cuts, infrastructure investments, and a new job skills training strategy.

The Fall Economic Statement set out a series of priority investments for Windsor, including a commitment to continuing to move forward on the new Windsor-Detroit border crossing.

“The institute is a testament to the incredible capacity we have in Windsor to create jobs and prosperity by capitalizing on our exceptionally talented researchers,” said Economic Development and Trade Minister and MPP for Windsor West Sandra Pupatello.

“One of the best ways to keep our economy strong is to continue to make strategic investments in areas that will make Ontario more competitive in the future,” said Minister of Finance and MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh Dwight Duncan. “This investment is good news for Windsor and good news for Ontario.”

“We’re pleased that the Ontario government is supporting this important initiative,” said Chrysler LCC Executive Vice President of Manufacturing, Frank Ewasyshyn. “Innovations in industrial imaging will help Ontario manufacturers like Chrysler improve quality control and remain competitive in the global economy. It will also help ensure Ontario continues to benefit from building the best cars and trucks in the world.”

"The beauty of Dr. Maev's work is his ability to apply what he has learned in the lab to the very practical problems facing our society today," said University of Windsor President Dr. Ross Paul. "This work has the potential for a number of industrial applications and speaks to the need for innovative economic diversification, right here in Windsor and beyond.”

“I’m proud to be a part of a government that is committed to investing in future job growth and prosperity by investing in our region’s strengths in research and innovation,” said MPP for Essex, Bruce Crozier.

Investing in job creation through regional innovation is just one of the ways the McGuinty government is strengthening the economy and supporting Ontario families.  Other initiatives include:

• Encouraging strong job creation, with over 417,000 net new jobs since October 2003

• Committing to expand our Next Generation Jobs Fund to $1.15 billion to support job creation for Ontarians
• Launching the $160 million Ideas-to-Market strategy that supports emerging companies
• Establishing a six-year, $500-million Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy to help manufacturers invest in innovative new technologies, and
• Phasing out the capital tax and accelerating a five per cent rate cut in 2007, while working towards eliminating the tax altogether by July 1, 2010.

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