WOLFVILLE, Nova Scotia, January 23, 2009 — Greg Kerr, MP for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today welcomed the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) investment in Acadia University.
“The Government of Canada is investing in science and technology to create jobs, improve Canadians' quality of life and strengthen the economy for future generations,” said Mr. Kerr. “Investments in infrastructure are helping to create the necessary conditions for sustainable, long-term economic growth.”
Mr. Kerr spoke at Acadia University to formally celebrate more than $147 000 in funding allocated to the university. The investment in state-of-the-art labs and equipment will jump-start projects in inorganic photophysics and biological sciences.
The research facility will contain a femtosecond laser, arguably the world's fastest camera and most powerful microscope, designed to help researchers better understand how light interacts with molecules. The laser system and the upgrades will help in identifying new drugs for use in light-therapy strategies for treating diseases such as cancer.
The investment is being made as part of CFI's Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF), a program designed to help attract and retain the world's best researchers at a time of intense international competition for leading faculty. The LOF puts into action the vision and priorities of the Government of Canada's Science and Technology Strategy, announced by Prime Minister Harper in May 2007.
The CFI is an independent corporation created by the federal government to fund research infrastructure and is funded by the Government of Canada.
For a complete list of the projects funded, please visit www.innovation.ca.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613-943-7599
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
