Harper Government Invests in Research Excellence at Canadian Universities

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire - March 15, 2013) - Some of the world's most accomplished and promising minds working in diverse scientific disciplines will receive significant support from the Harper Government, through the Canada Research Chairs program, to pursue world-class research at post-secondary institutions across Canada. The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today announced an investment of $3.8 million to support four Canada Research Chairs in Saskatchewan as part of the national announcement made by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology).

"Our government is committed to attracting and retaining the world's best and brightest researchers, supporting innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our economy," said Minister Ritz. "By investing in programs such as the Canada Research Chairs, we are fostering cutting-edge research and the generation of new innovations for the marketplace, which will benefit Canadians."

The Canada Research Chairs program has positioned Canada as an international leader and destination of choice in research and development. In total, the Harper Government will provide $90.6 million in support to 120 newly awarded and renewed Canada Research Chairs. The research, which will be conducted at 39 Canadian institutions, has potential benefits for Canadians and their families, businesses, practitioners and policy-makers. Of this total, 19 researchers have been recruited from abroad, including 10 Canadians returning to work in their home country-demonstrating the success of the program in attracting and supporting research excellence in Canada.

The Canada Research Chairs program invests approximately $300 million per year toward research in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities and social sciences.

Dr. Catherine Trask, Canada Research Chair in Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Saskatchewan, is one of the 120 Canada Research Chairs announced today. Dr. Trask and her team are working to discover the causes of musculoskeletal injuries among agricultural workers. They will work with industry, as well as with clinical and policy stakeholders, to explore new prevention methods. While the results of this work will directly help agricultural workers, Dr. Trask's research will also contribute significantly to the health and well-being of working Canadians in many different industries.

"The Canada Research Chairs program continues to support and attract many of the world's top researchers to Canadian post-secondary institutions," said Chad Gaffield, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Chair of the Canada Research Chairs Steering Committee. "With the support of federal research investments announced today, chairholders will enhance our understanding of critical issues in ways that will improve our quality of life and strengthen Canada's international competitiveness."

Since 2006, the Harper Government has invested nearly $8 billion in initiatives supporting science, technology and the growth of innovative firms in Canada, including $5 billion for advanced research, education and training; $2 billion for post-secondary infrastructure; and $1 billion for applied research and financing. This funding has helped to make Canada a world leader in post-secondary education research and to create the knowledge and highly skilled workforce that are required for a prosperous economy.

As outlined by the Prime Minister, the Harper Government remains focused on what Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, pride in being a citizen of this country and personal financial security.

A complete list of chairholders is available on the Canada Research Chairs website (www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/chairholders-titulaires/index-eng.aspx).