Government of Canada Invests $1.85 million to Support Advanced Medical Research and Innovation in Northwestern Ontario
The Government of Canada is investing $1.85 million to enable the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI) to purchase equipment and implement new technologies in the areas of probe development and bio-marker exploration. The project is expected to result in the creation of 15 jobs at the TBRHRI, along with 10 indirect positions through related research projects within TBRHRI, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and Lakehead University.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor. Specifically, the new research equipment will be used in the discovery of new bio-markers and to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatment protocols utilizing
isotopes produced through TBRHRI’s Cyclotron.
With this funding, TBRHRI will be positioned to establish formal partnerships with industry, pursue opportunities for contract research and clinical trials, and undertake a variety of new research and
development projects. A key benefit of the project will be to help TBRHRI become an international demonstration site able to host visiting scientists and health care professionals from around the world.
Quotes
“The funding announced today is an excellent example of how the Government of Canada is supporting innovation, scientific research and entrepreneurship. Innovation in the health sector can help improve patient care, lower costs, and lead to new or vastly improved treatments and solutions. I am glad to see Canadian scientists, academia and industry working together to deliver better outcomes using innovative technologies.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Our Government is committed to positioning Canada as a global centre for innovation. We are confident this investment will help develop the health care solutions of tomorrow, while growing the local economy and creating meaningful middle-class employment here in Northern Ontario.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North
“Canada has no shortage of innovative thinkers, top-notch researchers or creative entrepreneurs. This is exemplified by the burgeoning Northwestern Ontario health sciences cluster led by the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute and its many public and private partners. Today’s investment is recognition of the tremendous strides we’re making in fostering advanced medical research.”
Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River
“A robust health research program is vital to advancing our academic mission but more importantly, to improve patient care outcomes, especially in Northern regions of Canada. By funding bio-marker and probe development research, the Government of Canada is investing in our patients, as well in as our scientists and clinician investigators who are bringing discovery to life. Our cyclotron and radiopharmacy expands our research capacity, and will eliminate our Hospital’s dependence upon outside sources of radioactive isotopes used for specific diagnostic imaging procedures. Patients will benefit now, and in the future.”
Mr. Jean Bartkowiak, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research
Institute
Quick Facts
After debuting on the list of Top 40 Research Hospitals in Canada in 2010, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre continues to rank among the leading health research institutions in the country. This success is attributed to the ongoing success of the Centre’s research
arm, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. All of the research conducted at the Health Sciences Centre aims to improve patient care in Northwestern Ontario and to make the region healthier, wealthier and smarter.
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