Speaking Points
The Honourable Greg Rickford, PC, MP
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Université Laval
Québec, Quebec
September 23, 2013
Check Against Delivery
Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Villemure, for the kind introduction. I wish to thank Université Laval for hosting today's event. I also want to recognize Ms. Isabelle Blain, Vice-President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's Research Grants and Scholarships Directorate, Dr. Denis Brière, Rector of Université Laval, and other distinguished guests who were able to join us.
It's great to be back in Québec City, especially here at Université Laval near the beginning of a school year. It reminds me of my first day on campus. I had the pleasure of studying at Laval some years ago. Right here is where I earned my MBA, made many friends and created a lifetime of memories.
For these reasons, I am extremely honoured to be at my alma mater today to announce the latest recipients of the prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.
Without a doubt, Canada's prosperity is increasingly tied to science and technology and the highly skilled, talented and creative individuals who bring innovation to life and bring ideas to the marketplace.
Their ideas are the source of new products, services and policies that support Canada's economic competitiveness. They strengthen social foundations, sustain the environment and improve the quality of life of all Canadians.
I firmly believe that science, technology and innovation—and cooperation across all sectors, whether the private, academic or government—are the fundamental basis of a modern economy.
Scientific curiosity leads to discoveries and increases our wealth of information, inspiring us to change how we see and do things.
As a former nurse involved for many years in improving the health of fellow Canadians, I can attest to how scientific advances lead to a better quality of life for some and survival for others. And that is why the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships are so important.
Through these programs, our government is investing in the research leaders of tomorrow, giving them the tools to build a more prosperous future.
The scholarship and fellowship recipients carry out research that promises to produce breakthroughs in many fields and contribute to Canada's social and economic growth.
It is therefore my pleasure to announce, on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our government, an investment of $34.5 million to strengthen Canada's ability to attract and retain the best and brightest.
This funding will support 165 Vanier scholars and 70 Banting fellows whose areas of research range from developing a Hepatitis C vaccine to exploring the impact of student employment on school performance to studying personalized breast cancer therapies.
All vital areas of study.
Folks, our government is investing in the future—and the success of our researchers—for the benefit of all Canadians.
Banting fellows and Vanier scholars are positioned to become Canada's next generation of leaders in research excellence.
I would like to acknowledge one such leader who is here with us today: Dr. Mylène Riva, a former Banting recipient from Université Laval.
Dr. Riva, whose research focuses on the socioeconomic and geographic factors affecting the health of Canada's northern communities, received a Banting Fellowship in 2011.
I'm delighted to say that she now holds the position of assistant professor here at Laval where she continues her work. Congratulations to you, Dr. Riva!
Dr. Riva, you're an example of the success of our investment in Canada's future.
Also, your work is a terrific example of the world-class research being undertaken at universities across Canada. And that research is an unmistakable benefit of programs like Banting and Vanier, which support researchers at crucial stages of their careers and help ensure Canadians benefit from your knowledge and investment in your field of study.
Another important aspect of the Banting and Vanier programs is that they help Canadian universities attract and retain brilliant doctoral and post-doctoral students from across Canada and around the world.
Folks, this is crucial. We are expanding our knowledge base while building relationships and partnerships to keep Canada on the cutting edge of research, in turn providing Canadians with a better quality of life.
Many recipients, such as Dr. Riva, stay in Canada—often at the institution where they conducted their research. In doing so, they are strengthening our innovation ecosystem, creating the jobs of the future and contributing to the growth of our communities, like right here in Québec City.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in congratulating our new Banting fellows and Vanier scholars. I look forward to seeing the results of their groundbreaking research.
Thank you very much.
