For Immediate Release
January 22, 2008

WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH IN SUDBURY BOOSTS ECONOMY

McGuinty Government Creating Tomorrow’s Economy Today

SUDBURY — Revolutionary research being conducted in Sudbury to expand our understanding of the universe is one of 19 cutting edge-research projects supported by the McGuinty government, Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson announced today, joined by MPP for Sudbury Rick Bartolucci.

Ontario is investing $17.9 million to ensure that research teams working in a physics facility housed two kilometers underground at Inco’s Creighton Mine in Sudbury, will have the tools and resources they need to continue their globally significant work that aims to expand our understanding of the Universe — how it came to be and how it’s evolving.

Today’s investment is helping to grow the region’s knowledge economy — and ensures Ontario scientists are at the forefront of a rapidly growing and important field.

This project is one of 19, totalling nearly $115 million, being supported by the government across Ontario. One hundred and seven partners, including many in industry, will match this funding. The research projects supported at universities, institutes and hospitals across the province address a range of challenges, including:

• Reducing the amount of electricity used by computers
• Developing the vehicles of the future
• Providing better tools to diagnose and treat heart disease.

“By investing in research and innovation and the skills and knowledge of our people today, we will ensure Ontario remains the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family,” Wilkinson said. “Ontarians will benefit from better health-care services, new technologies, a cleaner environment and more opportunities for success.”

“SNOLAB is a world renowned facility that attracts researchers from around the globe to Sudbury,” said MPP for Sudbury Rick Bartolucci. “This project will further enhance SNOLAB’s international reputation and ensure that the Sudbury region can attract and retain the top research talent, and skilled workforce that northern Ontario needs to prosper in the 21st century.”

“It’s exciting to realize that just a few hundred metres away from our mining activity, cutting-edge scientific research will continue to enhance our knowledge of the universe and lead to discoveries that could change the way we see and interact with the planet," said Vale Inco's Vice President, Mining Operations, Brian Maynard.

“SNOLAB is the largest, deepest, and cleanest facility in the world available for this type of research,” said SNOLAB Director and Queen’s University Professor Dr. Tony Noble. “With this tremendous support from the Ontario government, we have the resources we need to continue our ground-breaking work here at SNOLAB’s state-of-the-art facility, and keep Sudbury at the forefront of astrophysics research.”

“Today’s investment is a part of our government’s plan to invest in research and innovation that will build on regional strengths, boost Ontario’s economy and spark the next generation of highly-skilled, good-paying jobs,” Wilkinson said.

The Ontario Research Fund is just one of the ways the McGuinty government is creating a stronger economy and supporting Ontario families. Other initiatives include:

• Launching the $160 million Ideas-to-Market strategy that supports emerging companies, which includes the Ontario Venture Capital Fund
• Providing a 21 per cent Capital Tax rate cut for all businesses retroactive to January 1, 2007, on the way to full elimination in 2010
• Announcing in the 2007 Fall Economic Statement an additional $50 million in strategic investment to further strengthen Ontario’s environment for scientific research that will lead to new discoveries, higher quality of life and new jobs.

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

- 30 -