Canada's New Government Invests $14.7 Million in Thunder Bay's Molecular Medicine Research Centre
July 30, 2007
The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and
Minister for FedNor, joined the Honourable Joe Comuzzi,
MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, in Thunder Bay today
to announce that Canada's New Government will invest
$14.7 million in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences
Centre (TBRHSC) for the establishment of a Molecular
Medicine Research Centre. The new Centre will bring
together top researchers with state-of-the-art facilities,
provide high-quality training, and develop leading-edge
research programs in support of cancer, cardiac and
neurology research.
"Canada's New Government
is committed to creating an environment that fosters
investment in research and development," said Minister
Clement. "Our contribution to this initiative will
help position Northwestern Ontario at the international
forefront of research and discovery, enabling the region
to compete effectively, and attract new growth and investment."
"This is a momentous day for Thunder Bay and
Northwestern Ontario," said Mr. Comuzzi. "I'm
excited and proud to welcome Minister Clement here
today and to support this important investment that
will shape the future of our region."
The $44.1 million project will be managed as a joint venture
partnership between TBRHSC and Sunnybrook Health Sciences
Centre, with active involvement of private partners, led by
Philips Medical Systems (a division of Philips Electronics
Ltd.).
“The MMRC is an incredible
asset for Northwestern Ontario and for the entire country.
The federal investment announced today, together with
the contributions of other partners will enable new
discoveries which improve the diagnosis and treatment
of all cancer patients,” said Dr. Terry Sullivan,
President & CEO, Cancer Care Ontario.
As the Government of Canada's lead economic development organization
in Northern and rural Ontario, FedNor has been working with
the key players in this initiative for several months, and
will continue its developmental role through the administration
of the funding over the next five years. Specifically, the
investment will support the salaries of a scientific director,
career scientists and technical support staff; help purchase
core research, IT and laboratory equipment; and support contracted
professional services to assist with the establishment of
the Molecular Medicine Research Centre.
"Canada will achieve
global competitiveness through innovative, multi-sector
partnerships like the MMRC, where support of excellence
in discovery research can align with, and capitalize
on, industry investment," said Dr. Michael Julius,
Vice-President of Research, Sunnybrook Health Sciences
Centre.
The economic impact of the Molecular Medicine Research Centre
on Thunder Bay and area is estimated to be between $92 million
and $110 million over five years, and is projected to lead
to 205 full-time knowledge-based jobs, and an additional 400
- 600 spin-off jobs across the region.
"We are excited to
partner with Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre,
Lakehead University and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
in the Molecular Medicine Research Centre and look forward
to the innovative research that will directly impact
future patient care," added John Cieslowski, Division
Head, Philips Medical Systems Canada.
"This research facility holds great collaborative
potential for Lakehead University in the areas of
graduate study and joint research initiatives,"
stated Dr. Fred Gilbert, President and Vice-Chancellor,
Lakehead University.
“We are thrilled to see this piece fall into
place. All members of the consortium should be proud
and celebrate. Molecular medicine is truly the future
of diagnosing, treating and managing disease. Our
thanks to Minister Clement and the Government of Canada
for believing in this project as much as we do,”
said Michael Power, Vice President, Regional Cancer
and Diagnostic Services, Thunder Bay Regional Health
Sciences Centre.
The Molecular Medicine Research Centre is located at ICR
Discoveries, 290 Munro Street. This former Northwestern Ontario
Regional Cancer Centre has been undergoing retrofit since
August 2006. Since the announcement of Dr. John Rowlands as
Founding Scientific Director in December 2006, the group has
been diligently working towards an operational MMRC by March
2008.
By supporting the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors
and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.
