Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Robarts Research Institute
World-Class Research in London Boosts Health Care and Economy
McGuinty Government Investing In New Health
Care Discoveries
LONDON, ON (Jan 29, 2008) — Improved
techniques to better diagnose diseases such as
brain cancer, epilepsy, stroke, and Alzheimer’s
disease is the goal of new research in London
funded by the McGuinty government.
The research project is one of two world-class
projects in London that will boost the local
economy and support better healthcare, Minister
of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson
announced today. Wilkinson was joined by MPP
for London West, Chris Bentley and MPP for
London-Fanshawe, Khalil Ramal in making the
announcement.
Ontario is investing:
More than $4 million to support researchers at
Robarts Research Institute develop new
techniques to better diagnose and monitor
treatments for neurological diseases – such as
brain cancer, epilepsy, stroke, and Alzheimer’s
disease.
More than $6 million to support researchers at the
University of Western Ontario to improve the
therapeutic properties of Ontario-grown ginseng,
which ranks as Ontario’s fifth largest cash crop.
The $11 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.
“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 healthcare
services, new technologies, a cleaner environment
and more opportunities for success.”
“Today’s investment is a part of our government’s
plan to invest in research and innovation that will
build on regional strengths to improve our quality
of life, boost Ontario’s economy, and spark the
next generation of highly skilled, good-paying jobs
for families living here in London and all across
our province,” Bentley said.
“UWO and Robarts Research Institute boast world-
renowned facilities that attract researchers from
around the world to London,” said Ramal. “These
projects will further enhance their international
reputation, and ensure that the London region can
attract and retain the top research talent and
skilled workforce that Southwestern Ontario needs
to prosper in the 21st century.”
“The Ontario government firmly recognizes that
research and innovation is the way to compete in
the global knowledge-based economy,” said
President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of
Western Ontario, Paul Davenport. “Ontario’s
investments in this cutting-edge research will help
push medical and healthcare discoveries to market
faster, improving economic and social prosperity
in the process.”
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.
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