LAVAL, Quebec, November 10, 2005 -- The Honourable Jean-C. Lapierre, Minister of Transport and Political Minister for Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canada Research Chairs Program, today announced $32.8 million in funding for 37 Canada Research Chairs in Quebec. Funding for university researchers in Quebec from the Canada Research Chairs Program represents $28.4 million, while an additional $4.4 million has been invested by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to support research infrastructure.
This funding is part of a $91.8-million investment in universities across the country to support the appointment of 126 Canada Research Chairs, also announced today by Minister Lapierre. These senior research positions, vital for Canada's economic, scientific and social development, were further supported with $10.4 million from the CFI.
"The work of the Canada Research Chairs is of crucial importance for Canadians. Whether it is in the areas of health, the environment or education, the new knowledge developed through research has a direct impact on making our communities better, safer places to live and to raise the next generation," said Minister Emerson.
"Quebec has received a total of $465.2 million for 426 Canada Research Chairs since the program began in 2000," said Minister Lapierre. "These awards are helping to enhance the research capabilities of our institutions across the province, which will benefit all Canadians. For example, the work being done by Professor Lamarche at the Université Laval is contributing significantly to the battle against cardiovascular disease."
Université Laval's Benoît Lamarche is the returning Canada Research Chair in Nutrition, Functional Foods and Cardiovascular Health. He is investigating the relationship between diet and cardiovascular health. According to Professor Lamarche, eating habits can radically reduce the damage caused by cardiovascular disease. In particular, his research is designed to study the impact of eating habits on the risk factors for cardiovascular disease among women, a group for whom little information is currently available. Professor's Lamarche's work has had a considerable impact globally -- his publications have been cited more than 100 times in less than four years, which is four times the typical rate.
The Canada Research Chairs Program (http://www.chairs.gc.ca) helps universities attract and retain some of the world's best research minds. Canada Research Chairs are recognized internationally as leaders in their fields, whether they work in the natural sciences and engineering, in the health sciences, or in the social sciences and humanities.
For more information, please contact:
Héloïse Perron
Canada Research Chairs Program
(613) 996-8373
(613) 371-3783 (cell)
heloise.perron@chairs.gc.ca
Christiane Fox
Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson
Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001
fox.christiane@ic.gc.ca
Angus McKinnon
Canada Foundation for Innovation
(613) 996-3160
angus.mckinnon@innovation.ca
