HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, November 10, 2005 -- The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canada Research Chairs Program, today announced $5 million in funding for five Canada Research Chairs in Nova Scotia. Funding for university researchers in Nova Scotia from the Canada Research Chairs Program represents $4.3 million, while an additional $700 000 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, as announced today by the Honourable Jean-C. Lapierre, Minister of Transport and Political Minister for Quebec. 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.
"Nova Scotia has received a total of $60.6 million for 62 Canada Research Chairs, since the program began in 2000," said Minister Regan. "These awards are helping our institutions recruit and retain top-level researchers. In particular, Dr. David Waisman's work is enhancing Nova Scotia's position as a global leader in the field of cancer research."
One of Nova Scotia's newest Chairholders is David Waisman of Dalhousie University, a world leader in cancer research. Appointed Canada Research Chair in Cancer Research, he is studying tumour growth and tumour conversion from benign to malignant. Uncovering the agency of both the tumour and its blood supply will provide a better understanding of this life-threatening disease. Dr. Waisman's work is making a significant contribution to the global effort to stop cancer.
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
Sujata Raisinghani
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(613) 992-3474
