William Leggett Appointed to the Canada Foundation for InnovationOTTAWA, December 7, 2006 — The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), today appointed Dr. William Leggett as Chair of the Board of Directors.
"Dr. Leggett's extensive career in science and academia has earned him numerous prestigious awards and has provided him with a thorough understanding of the needs of universities," said Minister Bernier. "I am pleased to welcome him as Chair of the Board, and I know that his leadership and knowledge will have a strong impact on the CFI and the Board as they continue to provide research institutions with the capabilities to pursue research and technology development for the benefit of all Canadians."
Dr. William Leggett is currently Professor of Biology at Queen's University. He also served as Queen's University's 17th Principal from 1994 to 2004. Before joining Queen's, Dr. Leggett had a successful career as Professor of Biology at McGill University, where in 1981, he was appointed first Chair of the Biology Department, and subsequently became Dean of Science, and then Vice-Principal, Academic.
Dr. Leggett's work in biological science and as a leader in Canadian education has earned him numerous national and international awards, including membership in the Order of Canada, which recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. He has also been presented with several honourary degrees from Canadian universities and granted a fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada, where individuals are selected by their peers for outstanding contributions to the sciences, arts and humanities.
The CFI is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI's mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.
Knowledge and innovation are essential components of Canada's future social, environmental and economic success. Canada's new government will work with the Canada Foundation for Innovation and other organizations to increase the impact of its investments in science and research.
Canada's new government committed to supporting excellence in university research through the Economic and Fiscal Update report, Advantage Canada, released on November 23, 2006. The Government of Canada will support research excellence by targeting new investments in research and development where Canada has the potential to be a world leader.
A focus on results and excellence will help Canada maintain its leadership for publicly funded research and development among its G7 partners. The CFI plays a key role supporting Canada's research excellence and contributing to the government's vision for science and technology.
For more information, please contact:
Isabelle Fontaine
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Angus McKinnon
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
613-996-3160
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