For Immediate Release
October 28, 2005

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENING ONTARIO’S ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE BY BOOSTING RESEARCH ACROSS THE PROVINCE

Ontario Research Fund Supporting 312 Projects

OTTAWA -- The McGuinty government is strengthening the province's economic advantage and creating a culture of innovation in Ontario by supporting research infrastructure at 20 research institutes in communities across the province, Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty announced today.

"We need to ensure that Ontario can compete in the marketplace of ideas," said Premier McGuinty. "By building a world-class research infrastructure in Ontario, we can attract and retain the best and brightest people and provide jobs and prosperity for Ontarians well into the future."

The government is investing $48 million to support 312 innovative projects under the newly created Ontario Research Fund (ORF).

Included among the 312 projects are:

• A study of molecular ecology of insects and their viral pathogens at Algoma University College, which explores how to eliminate pests without damaging crops or forests.
• A space avionics and instrumentation lab at Ryerson University, which focuses on developing microsatellite systems that will enhance Ontario's reputation as a leader in the field of spacecraft electronics.
• A facility for the development of innovative and advanced metal forming processes at the University of Windsor. This will help metal manufacturers create light, durable materials for car parts.
• Controlling emissions from cars and other greenhouse gas polluters is critical to a cleaner and healthier environment. Researchers at the University of Ottawa received funding to purchase specialized sensing equipment to study and monitor combustion and other types of emissions with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants from our air.

The $48-million provincial investment matches the funding commitment made by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). Project funding is shared among the CFI (40 per cent), the Province (40 per cent), and the research institutions (20 per cent).

The Ministry of Research and Innovation was created in June 2005 to ensure that Ontario is competing and winning in the marketplace of ideas. The creation of this new ministry signals the importance the government places on strengthening Ontario as a leading, innovation-based economy and society. The government has committed $1.8 billion over four years to support research and commercialization.

"We know that countries and jurisdictions that invest in innovation will be home to the most rewarding jobs, the strongest economies and the best quality of life," Premier McGuinty said. "As Premier and as our government's Minister of Research and Innovation, it's my goal to build a more innovative, more creative Ontario."

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