Government of Canada Highlights Infrastructure Investment that will Lead to Economic Growth

February 04, 2009

OTTAWA, Ontario, February 4, 2009 — The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today joined the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to highlight new Budget 2009 investments in science and technology.

“Our government supports science and technology because it creates jobs, improves Canadians' quality of life and strengthens our economy for future generations,” said Minister of State Goodyear. “Our investment in the Canada Foundation for Innovation will help develop, attract and retain top research talent and promote world-leading research at Canada's universities, colleges, research hospitals and other research institutions.”

Minister of State Goodyear spoke at the Canada Science and Technology Museum to formally mark the $750 million dedicated to the CFI in Budget 2009 for leading-edge research infrastructure.

In the last three budgets, the Government of Canada has pledged over $2.2 billion in new science and technology funding. Budget 2009 provides significant additional funding toward science and technology initiatives. Together, these measures will contribute to the creation of a stronger, more innovative economy and a more prosperous Canada.

Thanks to CFI investments, researchers here and across the country will be able to use state-of-the-art labs and equipment to conduct cutting-edge research in key areas ranging from the environment and energy, to health and agriculture.

The CFI puts into action the vision and priorities of the Government of Canada's Science and Technology Strategy announced by Prime Minister Harper in May 2007.

The CFI is an independent corporation created by the federal government to fund research infrastructure and is funded by the Government of Canada.

For a complete list of the projects receiving funding, please visit www.innovation.ca.