Researchers building a stronger economy

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Ontario is helping attract and retain the top researchers who will strengthen the province’s competitiveness in the global innovation-driven economy.

The province is investing $13,953 at Nipissing University to help 10 researchers better protect and sustain northern Ontario’s natural resources.

Dr. Dean Bavington, Canada Research Chair in Environmental History, and his research team at Nipissing University are receiving $13,953 to assist in research to improve existing management practices specific to northern Ontario’s natural resources sector. The goal is to create successful strategies for sustainably developing Northern Ontario’s precious resources, while creating strong, thriving local economies.

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.

“The work that Dr. Bavington and his team are doing is important to the north and our natural resources,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “The Ontario Research Fund is helping to ensure that our researchers have the tools they need to become leaders in their respective fields.”

“In the 21st century, economic stimulus must create jobs today and tomorrow – it must be both shovels in the ground, and support for innovative people and innovative thinking. Today’s funding is part of a larger investment in research infrastructure that will support 1,300 construction jobs and over 3,300 scientists across our province. Today we are demonstrating, once again, that our government understands the value of science to our economy today and for creating the jobs of the future,” said John Milloy, Minister of Research and Innovation.

QUICK FACTS

 To date, the Ministry of Research and Innovation has invested more than $1.5 million to support world-class researchers in North Bay.

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

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