Government of Canada Invests in Research Excellence at Université Laval and Across Quebec

QUEBEC CITY, Quebec, March 26, 2010 — Thanks to an increased investment by the Government of Canada in the Canada Research Chairs program, Canada will strengthen its position as a world leader in university research and development, which will lead to greater economic opportunities for Canadians. The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister for La Francophonie and Minister responsible for the Québec region, today announced the Government of Canada is investing $50.4 million to support 54 Canada Research Chairs in Quebec.

"Our government is investing in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve Canadians' quality of life," said Minister Verner. "The Canada Research Chairs program is helping our universities develop and attract talented people, strengthening our capacity for leading-edge research, while creating jobs and economic opportunities for Canadians now and in the future. As Minister responsible for the Québec region, I am proud that Université Laval will receive $3.8 million from this program."

Today's event at the Université Laval featured Dr. Tania Martin, whose research focuses on developing relevant knowledge on built religious heritage and exploring new conservation and management strategies for it. As Canada Research Chair in Built Religious Heritage, Dr. Martin's research will make a significant contribution to the study of cultural landscapes.

This renewed Canada Research Chair is part of a total of $165.5 million in funding for 187 Canada Research Chairs newly awarded or renewed at 44 Canadian universities announced today by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). The funding announced includes $8.8 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for research infrastructure.

"This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the Canada Research Chairs program," said Chad Gaffield, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Head of the Canada Research Chairs program steering committee. "For the past decade, the program has been integral in funding research excellence in Canada by recruiting and retaining renowned international experts at Canadian universities. The program enables our universities to create the necessary environment for groundbreaking research, and to offer first-class learning and training experiences to graduate students, thereby preparing them to become the next generation of world-class leaders in all sectors of society."

"An innovative society depends on innovative people," said Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. "The partnership between the CFI and the Canada Research Chairs program helps ensure that Canada preserves its most critical resource in the knowledge economy — intellectual capital. The advancements and discoveries made by these researchers will have a real and lasting impact on the lives of all Canadians."

"This prestigious program allows professors to concentrate on conducting research and on supervising graduate students," said Denis Brière, President of the Université Laval. "This type of support is critical to promoting knowledge and innovation, which are at the heart of our mission."

A full list of the 187 chairholders is available on the Canada Research Chairs website.

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

Trevor Lynn
Manager, Communications
Canada Research Chairs Program
613-992-7302
613-302-9879 (cell)
Trevor.Lynn@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca

Yves Melanson
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
613-996-3160
613-447-1723 (cell)
yves.melanson@innovation.ca