MP Dominic LeBlanc Celebrates Cutting-Edge Infrastructure for Researchers

SACKVILLE, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - April 15, 2016) - The Government of Canada understands the central role of science and post-secondary research in a thriving, clean economy. That's why it continues to make record investments in research that will build on Canada's record of scientific excellence.

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, celebrated $78,310 in funding for the Environmental Change and Aquatic Biomonitoring Laboratory at Mount Allison University. This Government of Canada investment was made through the Canada Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund, which helps universities attract and retain the best and brightest researchers from around the world by giving them access to state-of-the-art research tools.

The Mount Allison researcher receiving this infrastructure funding is Dr. Joshua Kurek. His research on environmental change in freshwater ecosystems will improve our understanding of how freshwaters respond to long-term environmental change-such as climate change and shifts in water quality-and the effect this has on marine life.

Quotes

"Investments like today's in Canada's research infrastructure are incredibly important to the nation's future. They give Canadian researchers the tools they need to make new discoveries that will better the lives of Canadians today and for years to come."

- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"State-of-the-art facilities and equipment help attract and retain top researchers in Canada. The funding announced today highlights the importance of such infrastructure and its role in contributing to Canada's record of scientific excellence in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada."

- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"From health to engineering and from telecommunications to environmental protection, the Canada Foundation for Innovation provides researchers with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that are essential for conducting world-class research that directly benefits all Canadians."

- Gilles Patry, President and CEO, Canada Foundation for Innovation

"My research program focuses on understanding how environmental stressors impact lakes and rivers. Having essential equipment both in the lab and in the field will allow us to get a better picture of long-term environmental changes and what they mean to freshwaters. I would like to thank the CFI for this support as it helps my program to succeed at a high level."

- Dr. Joshua Kurek, geography and environmental science professor, Mount Allison University

"This kind of investment by the CFI allows researchers like Dr. Kurek to engage in world-class research projects. It also enables our students to participate in these research projects as part of their undergraduate education, an invaluable experience."

- Dr. Robert Campbell, President and Vice-Chancellor, Mount Allison University

Quick facts

• On April 15, 2016, Parliamentary Secretary Terry Beech, on behalf of Minister of Science Duncan, announced an investment of more than $19 million for tools and equipment through the CFI's John R. Evans Leaders Fund to support 94 projects at 33 universities across Canada.

• Healthy freshwaters offer significant social and economic benefits to Canadians. Dr. Joshua Kurek's research seeks to improve our understanding of this precious natural resource and the unique ecosystem services it provides.

Associated links

- List of CFI-funded projects

- Canada Foundation for Innovation

- John R. Evans Leaders Fund

- The CFI Research Facilities Navigator, an online directory of CFI-funded labs that are available to collaborate with the private sector

Follow Minister Duncan on Twitter and Instagram: @ScienceMin