Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital

Speaking Notes

The Honourable Tony Clement, PC, MP
Minister of Industry

Montréal, Quebec
June 14, 2010

Check Against Delivery

Thank you and good morning everyone!

It is my pleasure to be with you today to celebrate the achievements of the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital over the past 75th years. Just think of that — since 1934, the Neuro has been in the forefront of nervous system research and in the application of that knowledge to the development of treatments for neurological diseases. Impressive.

Today, this academic medical centre remains at the head of its class on the cutting edge of biotechnology, investigating how nerve cells in the brain function from birth to death and inspiring breakthroughs, such as:

• developing techniques to accurately diagnose certain kinds of epilepsy;
• helping find innovative therapeutic approaches to the treatment of chronic pain;
• shedding light on how young children develop multiple sclerosis; and
• discovering new differences between the autistic brain and the normal brain.

Without a doubt, our society is richer thanks to the scientists and clinicians at work here.

A short while ago, I had the opportunity to tour one of the Neuro's labs with Dr. Colman. As a former Minister of Health, I have seen my share of research facilities. This has to rank among the very best.

I am delighted to say that the lab was funded by the Government of Canada.

Our government is committed to helping bring Canadian life-saving and life-improving technologies to commercialization. To achieve this goal, in 2007 we recognized the Neuro as one of seven Centres of Excellence, providing it with $15 million in funding to support research and commercialization activities related to neurological disease and neuroscience. My honourable colleague, Jim Prentice, former Minister of Industry, was here in February 2008 to celebrate the funding announcement.

The ideas, products and technologies generated by this funding will improve the health of Canadians, create jobs and businesses, help develop highly skilled people, strengthen our economy and improve Canada's long-term competitiveness in the health sciences field.

Three years ago, Prime Minister Stephen Harper launched Canada's Science and Technology Strategy. Since that time, our government has backed up that strategy with real action. We have invested in basic research, in labs, in research facilities and in new equipment for researchers. We have also strengthened partnerships in the areas of research, technology transfer, centres of excellence, and private sector research and development (R&D).

In fact, this year our government will invest a record amount of approximately $10.7 billion in science and technology.

We know that by increasing support for R&D we are improving the prospects for Canada's long-term competitiveness.

Ladies and gentlemen, we should all be proud of the work being done and the talent being developed at the Neuro.

I want to wish Dr. Colman, Dr. Masi and all involved with the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital continued success. Another 75 years' worth of it!

Rest assured that the federal government remains committed to the success of your work. By doing so, we help keep Canadians at the forefront of research and discovery and sustain the high quality of life we all enjoy.

Thank you.