Canada to invest $73 million in four new research networks

Ottawa, March 12, 2001 - The Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE), announced today an investment of $73 million over four years to launch four new NCE's. Participating in the event were Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray and Essex MP Susan Whelan.

The four new networks are:

• The Automobile of the 21st Century
• The Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network
• The Canadian Water Network
• The Stem Cell Genomics and Therapeutics Network

"The four new networks will grapple with important research and issues affecting the quality of life of all Canadians," said Mr.Tobin. "Their establishment underscores our commitment to ensure that we innovate, compete and lead in the increasingly knowledge-based global economy. Indeed, Canada is doubling its investment in research and development by 2010."

Deputy Prime Minister Gray said that this investment reflects the Government's broad economic and social goals for the 21st century. Mr. Gray added, "These four networks represent an investment in our children, in innovation, in health and in our most important manufacturing
sector–the auto sector. They also ensure that our universities will attract and retain the best researchers available."

"The automotive industry creates one in every seven Canadian jobs," said Dr. Peter R. Frise from the Department of Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering at the University of Windsor and Scientific Director of The Automobile of the 21st Century. "Our research will help the industry compete internationally, maintain existing employment levels and create new niche opportunities. We hope to reduce fuel emissions and enhance vehicle safety for children and the elderly. And, we will provide an integrated and innovative training environment for young Canadians."

According to Dr. Don Jamieson from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Western Ontario and Scientific Director of the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network, "Early child development is of great social and economic importance. We hope to improve language and literacy skills ensuring that children are better equipped in school and can function effectively as adults."

"The quality and safety of our drinking water is a top priority for Canadians," said Dr. Robert Gillham from the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Waterloo and the Canadian Water Network's Scientific Director. "Our research will focus on the effects of global climate change, declining water levels, and land use and its impact on Canada's supply of clean water."

Dr. Ronald Worton, Scientific Director of the Stem Cell Genomics and Therapeutics Network, stated that, "Our program provides a forum to evaluate the ethical, legal and social policy issues of stem cell genomics and therapeutics to ensure consistency of research and potential new therapies with Canadian values." According to the University of Ottawa professor, the network will also explore the potential to treat degenerative and chronic diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis.

The new networks were selected following a rigorous and independent review process. Funding was based on a recommendation by the NCE Selection Committee–comprised of international leaders from the academic, business, and finance sectors. Each proposal met high standards of excellence in each of research, training of highly qualified personnel, networking and partnerships, knowledge exchange and technology exploitation, and network management.

The Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada are unique partnerships among industry, universities, and government. These nationwide networks connect excellent research with industrial know-how and practical investment. Prior to the addition of these four new networks, the NCE program had 18 networks, comprised of 563 companies, 138 provincial and federal government departments and agencies, 46 hospitals, 98 universities, and 266 other organizations from Canada and abroad.

"The NCE program is recognized internationally for research excellence in areas of strategic importance to Canada–and that's exactly why these networks were selected," said Dr. Tom Brzustowski, Chair of the NCE Steering Committee. "The networks develop innovative research programs to address critical economic and quality of life issues and put this new knowledge to effective use."

The NCE program is jointly administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), in conjunction with Industry Canada.