The Government of Canada is investing $1.85 million to enable the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI) to purchase equipment and implement new technologies in the areas of probe development and bio-marker exploration.

“The funding announced today is an excellent example of how the Government of Canada is supporting innovation, scientific research and entrepreneurship. Innovation in the health sector can help improve patient care, lower costs, and lead to new or vastly improved treatments and solutions. I am glad to see Canadian scientists, academia and industry working together to deliver better outcomes using innovative technologies.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Our Government is committed to positioning Canada as a global centre for innovation. We are confident this investment will help develop the health care solutions of tomorrow, while growing the local economy and creating meaningful middle-class employment here in Northern Ontario.”

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North

“Canada has no shortage of innovative thinkers, top-notch researchers or creative entrepreneurs. This is exemplified by the burgeoning Northwestern Ontario health sciences cluster led by the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute and its many public and private partners. Today’s investment is recognition of the tremendous strides we’re making in fostering advanced medical research.”

Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River

“A robust health research program is vital to advancing our academic mission but more importantly, to improve patient care outcomes, especially in Northern regions of Canada. By funding bio-marker and probe development research, the Government of Canada is investing in our patients, as well in as our scientists and clinician investigators who are bringing discovery to life.  Our cyclotron and radiopharmacy expands our research capacity, and will eliminate our Hospital’s dependence upon outside sources of radioactive isotopes used for specific diagnostic imaging procedures. Patients will benefit now, and in the future.”

Mr. Jean Bartkowiak, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.

• After debuting on the list of Top 40 Research Hospitals in Canada in 2010, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre continues to rank among the leading health research institutions in the country. This success is attributed to the ongoing success of the Centre’s research arm, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. All of the research conducted at the Health Sciences Centre aims to improve patient care in Northwestern Ontario and to make the region healthier, wealthier and smarter.

• Since 2006, FedNor has invested more than $20 million in project funding support for TBRHRI initiatives, including a $4 million contribution for the establishment of the Cyclotron in Thunder Bay. The 28-tonne Cyclotron was installed in February 2015 and now produces isotopes to be used in medical research, and the development of medical devices and new treatment options.

Associated Links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca.
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor.
• Follow the Minister on Twitter: @MinisterISED

Paul Denis
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-507-0539
paul.denis@canada.ca