The Council of Ontario Universities commends Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and the federal government for the extraordinary investments in research and innovation announced in the 2014 federal budget.

In particular, we thank the government for the leadership it has shown in creating the new Canada First Research Excellence Fund and for the continued commitment to the three federal granting councils. This is a very good day for research excellence at our institutions. The effects will enhance Canada’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Universities are a place where the rubber hits the road for research and innovation policy. Through critical skill and knowledge development, universities grow talent – and many different kinds of it: engineers, lawyers, doctors, physiotherapists, entrepreneurs, marketers, administrators, journalists, teachers and historians, to name but a few. Students leave our labs and classrooms armed with the expertise and hands on know-how that is required to support Canada’s ongoing social and economic prosperity, as well as their own success throughout their careers.

Today’s investments will help put our students and researchers on the podium of global excellence in research.

Bonnie M. Patterson
President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Wendy McCann
Director, Strategic Communications and Media Relations
Telephone: 416-979-2165 x233
Cell phone: 647-271-0825
Email Wendy McCann