Minister Goodyear Announces Investment to Expand Juvenile Diabetes Research in Southern Ontario

November 23, 2009

WATERLOO, ON — Southern Ontario will strengthen its position as a hub for international diabetes research thanks to a new partnership that will see hundreds of high-paying, highly skilled new jobs created.  Speaking at the University of Waterloo, the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, today announced a $30-million partnership with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada that will expand diabetes research in southern Ontario and bring new technologies to market. 

“Our government supports scientific research because it creates jobs, strengthens the economy and improves Canadians’ quality of life,” said Minister Goodyear. “This investment will advance diabetes research and make sure that southern Ontario continues to be a leading destination for world-class research and commercialization opportunities.”

The government will invest $20 million towards the partnership from the Southern Ontario Development Program, while the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will contribute $10 million. Funding will support the launch of a Clinical Trial Network in southern Ontario, expand diabetes research, and help bring new technologies to the marketplace, so that Canadians and people around the world can benefit. For example, this partnership will help support the Foundation’s Artificial Pancreas Project and Regenerative Medicine Technology Program.

This new partnership will diversify Ontario’s economy into research fields for which there are worldwide needs, and attract international researchers and institutions to the province.

Andrew McKee, President and CEO of JDRF Canada noted the significance of this announcement: “The government’s commitment to medical research, and further developing southern Ontario as a key international market for commercialization and translational research, is exemplary. This forward-thinking investment comes at a critical stage internationally, as we look to quicken the pace of research leading to cures and better treatments. For JDRF, initiating the network in southern Ontario – home to some of the best universities and research facilities in the world – is a timely global opportunity.”

For additional details on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, please refer to the backgrounder.

The Foundation’s mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. This project will involve institutions such as University of Waterloo and McMaster University along with other southern Ontario institutions. Located in the heart of southern Ontario and among Canada’s leading universities, these universities are ideally positioned to partner with JDRF to accelerate southern Ontario’s path towards being a hub for viable research, development and commercialization.

“The University of Waterloo welcomes the opportunity to bring its expertise in mathematics, computer science and engineering to bear on this exciting and important research venture,” said David Johnston, President of the University of Waterloo. “We look forward to working with McMaster University, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and our government partners on a project to accelerate Canadian-based diabetes research.”

The Southern Ontario Development Program (SODP) was established to promote economic development, economic diversification, job creation and sustainable communities in southern Ontario. Applications for funding under the first round of funding for SODP are being accepted until December 1, 2009. The SODP is just one in a series of initiatives introduced in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan designed to address the short-term effects of the economic decline on communities across Canada, while preparing our communities for long-term growth. Overall funding for the SODP is $100 million in 2009-10.

For more information on the Southern Ontario Development Program, visit www.southernontario.gc.ca or phone 1-866-593-5505.