For Immediate Release
January 9, 2007

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO INVEST IN ONTARIO’S INNOVATION ECONOMY

New Round Of Research Funding To Support 68 Projects Across The Province

John Wilkinson, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Research and Innovation, announces the Ontario government's new investment of close to $11 million to support 68 leading projects across the province through the Ontario Research Fund - Research Infrastructure program.

From left to right: Liette Vasseur, Laurentian University Vice-President - Research, John Wilkinson, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Research and Innovation, and Susan Silverton, Laurentian University Vice-President - Academic, celebrate the new $151,000 investment in research at Laurentian University through Ontario Research Fund - Research Infrastructure program.

John Wilkinson, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Research and Innovation, observes lab research activities conducted by Sabine Montaut during his visit to Laurentian University as part of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Infrastructure announcement. Sabine Montaut is one of Laurentian University's funding recipients.

---

SUDBURY -- The McGuinty government is strengthening Ontario's economic advantage by investing in world-class research and development at 15 institutions in communities across the province, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson announced today.

"I'm pleased to congratulate Ontario's leading researchers — your projects are stimulating Ontario's economy and creating new opportunities for employment, research and investment," said Wilkinson, on behalf of Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty. "Through the ministry's Ontario Research Fund, our government is doing its part to attract the best and brightest people and invest in advanced research facilities and equipment."

The government is investing close to $11 million to support 68 leading projects in this fourth round of the Ontario Research Fund — Research Infrastructure program. The initiative helps researchers obtain the tools they need to stay on the cutting-edge of innovation, including lab equipment and computer software.  

Under the Ontario Research Fund — Research Infrastructure program, the Ontario government has invested $131 million in 551 research infrastructure projects to date.

"We need to ensure that Ontario is nimble in the fast-paced global economy," said Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty. "Today, more than ever, our economic and social prosperity depends on our ability to compete and win in the marketplace."

Investing in R&D is the latest example of how the McGuinty government is working on the side of businesses and families to strengthen Ontario's economy.

Other initiatives include:

• Introducing the $160 million Ideas to Market strategy to grow new start-ups and drive innovative discoveries rapidly from the lab to the marketplace

• Helping to generate almost $7 billion in automotive investments that retain and create thousands of high-value jobs

• Creating the Small Business Agency of Ontario to help reduce regulatory burdens on small business and improve government and business interaction.

"We're laying the foundation for generations of research talent to come," McGuinty said. "Through sustained investments in the tools and facilities researchers need, Ontario will continue to be home to rewarding jobs, a strong economy and the best quality of life."

Since 2003, investments in infrastructure, postsecondary education, research and innovation and key economic sectors have helped strengthen Ontario's economic foundations and continue to build opportunity.

-30-