Ontario universities welcome federal budget investments in robust pipeline of research
TORONTO, March 22 /CNW/ - The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) applauds the federal government's 2011 budget, and its commitment of continued support and new investments which will help to sustain a robust pipeline of research.
"We are pleased in these tough economic times that the government continues to invest in university research as a critical driver of Canada's future prosperity and economic recovery and are particularly pleased to see an explicit recognition of the importance of social science and the humanities," said Sheldon Levy, Chair of COU and President of Ryerson University. "These investments will generate positive results, both short and long-term, for our universities and for our province and most importantly for our students."
Ontario's universities account for 43 per cent of all research undertaken on Canada's university campuses. In 2008 alone, Ontario universities and affiliated research hospitals generated $604 million in research contracts. Research, a primary mission of our universities, takes many forms - it can be invention or fundamental research that pushes the boundaries of our knowledge or it can enable the creation of critical new products and services that improve the lives of Canadians.
The federal government's Budget 2011 provides an increase of $37 million to the federal granting councils and an additional $10 million to support the indirect costs of research. The budget also provides over $200 million in new funding to support key, globally competitive areas of research in which Ontario researchers play a significant role.
"In this global, knowledge-based economy, investments in research are essential to building and maintaining Canada's competitiveness," said Bonnie Patterson, COU President and CEO. "This budget makes clear that the Government of Canada believes strongly in the important role that research plays in driving positive economic and social outcomes for Canadians."
"Ontario universities also appreciate the budget's international commitments, which will help to attract students from around the world, give domestic students a global experience and boost international research collaborations," Patterson added.
For further information: Jennifer Grass
Council of Ontario Universities
416-979-4341
416-707-6787
jgrass@cou.on.ca
www.cou.on.ca
www.facebook.com/CouncilofOntarioUniversities