Transcript

OICR – Minister’s Remarks

Every time I walk into this building, I can feel the buzz of excitement. A large part of that comes from energy of the people… the ideas… and the ground-breaking work that’s being accomplished right here at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research.

By all of you.

Discoveries are being made by OICR scientists that are having ripple effects among leading cancer researchers around the world.

And it is all happening at an incredibly rapid pace.

It’s hard to believe that it was only a little more than two years ago that the OICR was launched with a new vision for cancer research … a vision based on an intensely collaborative approach to science… and a vision focused on quickly moving discoveries from the lab to clinical applications, and into the commercial marketplace.

Premier McGuinty, and I, personally … believe in that vision.

That’s why we are investing $347 million… in YOU.

Because we believe that if we can get the best people and give them the best equipment we will have the best chance of making a big difference in the fight against cancer… a disease that has touched the lives of so many of us.

And you are proving us right.

You are making the OICR vision come to life … and I thank you for that. The people of Ontario… thank you for that.

The race to the top is on.

In just two short years, you have developed a globally significant research strategy… built state-of-the art laboratory space…

Today… more researchers are developing, testing and performing more leading-edge cancer therapies in more Ontario clinics and hospitals.

Today… Top cancer scientists have been recruited from around the world. ..

And some of Canada’s best researchers have been persuaded to stay here… because, when it comes to cancer research, this is where the action is.

Ontario… is where MAJOR breakthroughs are happening.

In specializations ranging from colorectal cancer to lung cancer and cancer genomics, OICR is making a name for itself – and Ontario – on the world stage.

As Minister of Research and Innovation, I’m particularly aware that you are also launching into another important facet of your mission.

OICR’s Intellectual Property and Commercialization program fills what had been a critical gap in the road from lab bench breakthrough to widespread clinical applications.

Through this program, the best cancer-related discoveries can be developed through to a stage of readiness where industry is prepared to invest in them.

And through the commercialization of these discoveries… of YOUR efforts… economic benefits will flow to the people of Ontario.

More importantly… you will provide hope for people and families living with cancer.  Hope for a better future.

Hope for a cure… hope for better prevention…

Hope for even just a little more time…

Hope for LIFE.

Your discoveries have the potential to change the lives of the nearly 60,000 people each year in Ontario, who find out they have cancer.

For each of them, their families and their children… the clock is ticking.

OICR has made outstanding progress in its first two years. But there is MORE to do. And we need to do it FASTER.

That’s why the McGuinty government is investing $347 MILLION dollars… to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to continue.

But make no mistake…With great success, comes more money, more responsibility… and greater expectations. 

We are investing a lot IN you… because we expect a lot FROM you. We expect BIG THINGS.

On behalf of the Premier and the people of Ontario, I want to thank you for your exceptional work – and ask you to keep up the pace.

We know you’re the best of the best. And we’re counting on you.

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