Government of Canada Supports New Research Opportunities for Canadian Businesses

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 24, 2011) - Up to five thousand young Canadian scientists will have an opportunity to work with small and medium sized businesses across the country over the next five years and put their research expertise to work in the private sector, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. The announcement was made by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), while speaking at an international business innovation conference in Toronto.

"Science is key to Canada's future economic growth," said Minister Goodyear. "By bringing together Canadian businesses with young scientists and international partners, our government is helping to promote research and development in the private sector, leading to new jobs and opportunities for hard-working families, students and entrepreneurs across our country."

The minister also announced the renewal of an international agreement with Spain that will allow Canadian businesses to conduct important research and development in partnership with oversees companies.

Minister Goodyear was speaking at Innovation Across Borders, which is a two day conference organized by the National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and MaRS Discovery District, a Toronto-based innovation centre.

At the conference, Minister Goodyear announced that two Networks of Centres of Excellence —MITACS and AUTO21— have been selected from the 2011 Industrial Research and Development Internships competition to deliver the internship program. Together, they will be awarded a total of $34.4 million over five years to provide 1,000 internships each year in private sector firms.

More information about Innovation Across Borders is available at http://innovationacrossborders.marsdd.com.