FedDev Ontario Invests in Healthcare Innovation

"Our Government is committed to positioning Canada as a global centre for innovation – one that creates well‑paying jobs for Canadians working in this emerging field while also helping to foster a thriving middle class, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. Today's announcement is a prime example of that policy in action. The most innovative solutions often happen when people from different fields collaborate. That's why it's important for universities, healthcare providers, the business community and government to work together. That's how we will come up with health‑care solutions that improve the quality of life for Canadians."

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

"This investment will lead to the creation of important resources and services for patients in Canada living with chronic disease. Companies and individuals will benefit from the strategic partnerships, collaborations and new technologies that will develop as a result of this project."

– Kyle Peterson, Member of Parliament for Newmarket–Aurora

"Canada recognizes the critical role of innovation and knowledge mobilization in both health promotion and health care. It will enable York to build on the success of our Connected Health and Wellness Project (CHWP), which demonstrated the power of providing individuals with the technology and tools they need to manage their health. York has collaborated with Southlake for many years, and we anticipate an even closer working relationship as we look forward to our new campus opening in Markham Centre."

– Mamdouh Shoukri, President and Vice‑Chancellor,York University

"The federal government's investment will help Southlake to be a model hospital of the future. Fostering the commercialization of healthcare technology is a catalyst to a more sustainable healthcare system, improved quality, and the highest level of patient safety. By working collaboratively with startups and small to medium‑sized enterprises, Southlake, through its incubator CreateIT Now, is playing a critical role in fostering the adoption of the healthcare technology to best benefit our patients and the healthcare sector as a whole. In addition to benefits these new technologies will have for our patients, we are also creating opportunities for Canadian companies to attract investment, create jobs, and reduce the innovation gap in Canada."

– Dr. Dave Williams, President & CEO, Southlake Regional Health Centre

"We are excited to be able to continue creating new technologies for patients struggling with the burden of illness. This strong support from the federal government is recognition that there is exquisite talent in our research hospitals and universities. By working together, transformational change is possible in our health system through the creation and use of novel health technologies for patient self‑care.  We look forward to working with lead partners, York University and Southlake Regional Centre; this collaboration will make life better for all of our patients."

– Dr. Peter Pisters, President and CEO, , University Health Network