For Immediate Release
February 8, 2008

CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH IN WATERLOO CREATING WORLD’S NEXT GENERATION “GREEN CAR”

McGuinty Government Investing In Green Vehicle Technology

WATERLOO — Developing more environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient and cost-effective vehicles is the goal of a new University of Waterloo research project.

The project is one of four cutting-edge research projects at the University of Waterloo to receive funding from the McGuinty government. The government is funding the projects in partnership with industry to support the province’s top researchers in areas where Ontario can compete and win in the global marketplace.

MPP for Kitchener Centre, John Milloy, was joined by MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga, Leeanna Pendergast, to make the announcement today on behalf of Minister of Research and Innovation, John Wilkinson.

Ontario is investing:

• $8.7 million to support the development of the next generation of green vehicles
• $2.9 million to develop more secure solutions for distributing massive amounts of information over both wired and wireless communications networks
• $3.1 million to create innovative, marketable technologies and products that allow businesses to respond rapidly to emerging needs in the highly lucrative software services sector
• $4.8 million to support the development of new technologies for measuring, monitoring, controlling and removing emerging contaminants in water treatment systems.

The $19.5 million for these projects is part of nearly $115 million invested by the government to support 19 cutting-edge research projects across Ontario. The research at universities, institutes and hospitals will receive matching funding from 107 major industry and other partners.

These projects are part of the province’s plan to help Ontario’s top researchers develop new ideas and turn these ideas into products and services that can be marketed to the world.

“To ensure Ontario can compete and win in the global economy, our government is investing in leading research in our province,” Wilkinson said. “The strong partnerships between our top researchers, global business leaders and government will help provide Ontarians with a cleaner environment, a higher quality of life and more opportunities for success.”

“Today’s investment is part of our government’s plan to invest in research and innovation that will build on our strengths, improve our quality of life, and spark the next generation of highly skilled, good-paying jobs right here in Waterloo and all across Ontario,” Milloy said.

“The Ontario government understands that the key to creating a culture of innovation is strong partnerships among our top researchers, global business leaders and government,” said Pat Horgan, IBM Canada vice president, Manufacturing, Development and Operations. “This major provincial investment is leveraging multi-million-dollar investments from the private sector and creating significant spin-offs. This will translate into skilled new jobs right here in Ontario, and into new products and services that can be exported around the world.”

"The Ontario government should be commended for investing in research and innovation that helps the province compete in a global, knowledge-based economy," said David Johnston, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo. "These projects will further enhance our university's international reputation, and ensure that Waterloo Region continues to attract and retain the top research talent and skilled workforce southwestern Ontario needs to prosper in the 21st century.”

Together, these investments form part of the McGuinty government’s plan to support research excellence that can be developed into new products and services that will boost Ontario’s economy and support 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.

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