Ontario Government Investment Supports Jobs Of The Future

Kitchener - Ontario is supporting the province’s early researchers who are making important scientific breakthroughs and creating the jobs of the future.

Through the province’s Early Researcher Awards program, $1.54 million is being invested in 11 research projects in Waterloo, Ontario, Leeanna Pendergast, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga announced yesterday.

This investment at the Perimeter Institute and the University of Waterloo is part of a province-wide investment of $11.5 million to support 82 research projects at 21 research institutions across Ontario.

The Early Researcher Awards program will support the work of 338 researchers and will ensure that leading Ontario researchers have the resources they need to build their research teams. The funding will also help create jobs for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research assistants, associates and technicians from across Canada and abroad.

Funding world-class research is part of Ontario’s Innovation Agenda – the McGuinty government’s plan to build an innovation economy that turns new knowledge into new jobs, better health care, a cleaner environment and endless possibilities for Ontario families.

“In Waterloo, Ontario, we are supporting talented researchers who are working to make new discoveries that will lead to new knowledge, new jobs and a higher quality of life for Ontario families.” said Leeanna Pendergast, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga.

“Today we are investing in the bright ideas and bright future of 338 up-and-coming researchers across Ontario. The McGuinty government understands that when we invest in our research talent, we are investing in the future of our health care, our environment, and our economy.” - Minister of Research and Innovation John Milloy

• These projects will engage more than 6,000 Ontario high school students each year, giving them an inside look at real research and inspiring them to consider a career in science and technology.

• Between 2005 and 2008, provincial investments in research and innovation leveraged $1.1 billion while helping to advance the knowledge, skills and training of close to 30,000 individuals.