Government of Canada investing in Canadian researchers to help them make world-class discoveries
News release
Investments in University of Manitoba will help attract the best and the brightest talent
March 14, 2019 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Discoveries made in research labs across Canada are leading to cleaner, greener, healthier and more prosperous lives for all Canadians. Whether researchers are looking for effective cancer treatments or developing clean technologies, they need the right tools to turn their bold ideas into reality.
That’s why the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, was at the University of Manitoba today to highlight more than $39 million for state-of-the-art research labs and equipment through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF). This investment will support 251 researchers leading 186 projects at 43 universities across Canada. JELF aims to help universities attract and retain top talent from around the globe by providing researchers with the highly specialized infrastructure they require to be leaders in their field.
As part of this funding, the University of Manitoba is receiving more than $1.1 million in support of seven projects in areas such as disease, food processing and supercomputers. Dr. Janilyn Arsenio, for example, will use the funding to help with her research in developing new strategies for vaccine design and in improving the treatment of infections, cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The Minister also highlighted Budget 2018 commitments for the CFI, which include $763 million over the next five years and $462 million per year starting in 2023. This investment provides the CFI with long-term, stable funding, one of the key recommendations of the expert panel–led Fundamental Science Review.
These new investments will allow the CFI to continue to support researchers by investing in state-of-the-art labs and research equipment at Canada’s universities, colleges and research hospitals. Investing in research infrastructure creates the spaces to train the new generation of researchers and bring together researchers and entrepreneurs who can jump-start innovation.
Quotes
“Since 1997, the Canada Foundation for Innovation has been ensuring Canadian researchers have the tools they need to push the frontiers of knowledge in all disciplines. The stable, long-term funding we are celebrating today will help Canada continue to be an international destination for research and innovation.”
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport
“The Canada Foundation for Innovation lays the cornerstone for the future by providing equipment that ensures the success of researchers from the very start of their careers. The John R. Evans Leaders Fund creates the conditions necessary for the extraordinary talents in Canada’s universities and hospitals to excel. With ongoing, permanent funding, the CFI will be able to continue to support their ambitions.”
– Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President and CEO, Canada Foundation for Innovation
“I congratulate these researchers on their exceptional work being recognized today with this new investment. The advancements they make will contribute to health and economic well-being in Manitoba and beyond.”
– Dr. Digvir Jayas, Vice-President (Research and International) and Distinguished Professor, University of Manitoba
Quick facts
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The John R. Evans Leaders Fund helps exceptional researchers at universities across the country conduct cutting-edge research by giving them the tools and equipment they need to become leaders in their field.
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The total funding of $39,125,771 includes capital funding for infrastructure of $30,096,747 and an additional $9,029,024 for incremental operating and maintenance costs awarded under the CFI’s Infrastructure Operating Fund.
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Budget 2018 is making a historic investment of nearly $4 billion over five years in research and in the next generation of scientists—the single largest investment in fundamental research in Canadian history.
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Budget 2018 set aside $763 million over five years for the CFI and ongoing funding of up to $462 million per year starting in 2023. This permanent funding will put cutting-edge tools in the hands of our researchers and students to ensure they can make discoveries and innovate.
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Contacts
For Canadian Science news, follow @CDNScience on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
Follow the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) on Twitter: @InnovationCA
Daniele Medlej
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Science and Sport
343-291-4204
daniele.medlej@canada.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
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