Thank you in advance for your patience.

“I would like to welcome Dr. Friesen as our new board director,” said Dr. Cannon. “Dr. Friesen brings a spectrum of scientific and business knowledge to the board and I am sure he will be an effective advocate for the CFI."

The CFI is governed by a Board of Directors that makes final decisions on the projects it funds and sets strategic objectives in the context of the funding agreement. Each director is appointed for a three year term. The Board approves annual corporate plans and objectives, and reviews their outcomes.

Albert D. Friesen holds a Ph.D. in protein chemistry from the University of Manitoba. He has been instrumental in the founding and development of several health industry companies, including ABI Biotechnology (now Apotex Fermentation), Canada’s first profitable biotech company, and also led the development of Canada’s first biotech product, WinRho. Dr. Friesen is a founder of the Industrial Biotechnology Association of Canada (now BIOTECanada). He is currently President and CEO of Medicure Inc., and President of Genesys Venture Inc. (GVI), which provides the expertise for launching and managing emerging health and biotechnology ventures.

Dr. Friesen led the establishment of CentreStone Venture Partners, a $22 million life sciences fund based in Winnipeg, and currently serves on the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council, which advises on a range of Manitoba’s economic priorities. He also co-chairs the Manitoba Innovation Council, the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Council of Canadian Academies and the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Advisory Board of the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Biographies of all CFI Board Directors are available here.

The CFI is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.

For more information:
 
Yves Melanson
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Tel.: 613-996-3160
Cell.: 613-447-1723
 

The Chairperson will play a key role in helping define research infrastructure support strategies to fulfill the Foundation’s mandate.  The Chairperson will support the CFI in enhancing opportunities for partnerships and collaboration among research institutions, governments, funding organizations and the private sector, both nationally and internationally.

The successful candidate must possess a degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience.  A graduate or post-graduate degree would be considered an asset.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience on a board of directors (procedures and practices), preferably as a Chairperson, or an acceptable equivalent experience.  Experience in organizational management, so as to ensure that appropriate monitoring and control systems are in place, is required.  The preferred candidate should have strong leadership skills with significant accomplishments in business, government, academia and/or the not-for-profit sector.  Experience in research or research management would be an asset.

The suitable candidate should have knowledge of the organization’s mandate and activities, as well as of the legislative framework within which it operates.  Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson and the Board of Directors is essential.  The preferred candidate will possess knowledge and understanding of the research and post-secondary environments, as well as knowledge of capital and infrastructure investments as they pertain to research, evaluation criteria for financial investment opportunities and merit-based assessment processes.  The chosen candidate will have knowledge of financial management and corporate governance principles and best practices.  Knowledge of the operations of the federal government and public policy is required.

In order to contribute to the Foundation meeting its objectives and carrying out its mandate, the Chairperson must be a person of sound judgement and integrity who possesses superior interpersonal skills.  The preferred candidate must have the ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships to build on the Board’s strategic position and provide the organization with the means to leverage its capital.  He/she will also have the ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities or solve problems and will be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to act as a spokesperson in dealing with stakeholders, media, public institutions, governments and other organizations.  The ability to foster debate and discussions among Board members and facilitate consensus, as well as manage conflicts, should they arise, is crucial.  The favoured candidate will possess discretion and tact and adhere to high ethical standards.  Excellent leadership, managerial and motivational skills are essential.

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

Pursuant to the CFI’s enabling legislation and by-laws, the Chairperson must be a resident of Canada.  Furthermore, the incumbent cannot have a bankrupt status or be an employee or agent of Her Majesty in right of Canada, a province or territory, or a member of the Senate, House of Commons or the legislature of a province or territory.

The average annual time commitment for this position is 30 days.  The Board of Directors meets three to four times per year in different locations across Canada.  The successful candidate must be willing to travel and participate occasionally in meetings by conference call in advance of Board meetings.

The government is committed to ensuring that its appointments are representative of Canada’s regions and official languages, as well as of women, Aboriginal peoples, disabled persons and visible minorities.

The preferred candidate must comply with the Ethical Guidelines for Public Office Holders and Guidelines for the Political Activities of Public Office Holders.  The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under “Reference Material” at www.appointments-nominations.gc.ca.

The selected candidate will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act.  For more information please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website at http://ciec-ccie.gc.ca.

This notice has been place in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this position.  It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

Interested candidates should forward their curriculum vitae by February 15, 2010, to the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Senior Personnel), Privy Council Office, 59 Sparks Street, 1^st Floor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A3, 613-957-5006 (facsimile), GICA-NGEC@bnet.pco-bcp.gc.ca.

Bilingual notices of vacancies will be produced in alternative format (audio cassette, diskette, Braille, large print, etc.) upon request.  For further information, please contact Canadian Government Publishing, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0S5, 613-941-5995 or 1-800-635-7943.

 Selection Criteria - Chairperson, CFI - [PDF format, 25KB]

Full text version follows.

Selection Criteria -  Chairperson, CFI

Education

A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience. A graduate or post-graduate degree would be an asset.

Experience

• Significant board experience (procedures and practices), preferably as Chairperson, or an acceptable equivalent experience;
• Strong leadership skills with significant accomplishments in business, government, academia and/or the not-for-profit sector;
• Experience in organizational management so as to ensure that appropriate monitoring and control systems are in place; and
• Experience in research or research management would be an asset.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Corporation’s mandate and activities, as well as the legislative framework within which it operates;
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson and the Board of Directors;
• Knowledge and understanding of the research and post-secondary environments;
• Knowledge of capital and infrastructure investments as they pertain to research, evaluation criteria for financial investment opportunities and merit-based assessment processes;
• Knowledge of financial management and corporate governance principles and best practices;
• Knowledge of the operations of the federal government and public policy.

Abilities

• Excellent leadership, managerial and motivational skills;
• Ability to foster debate and discussion among board members, facilitate consensus and manage conflicts, should they arise;
• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the board to seize opportunities or solve problems;
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships to build on the Board’s strategic position and provide the organization with the means to leverage its capital;
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and ability to act as a spokesperson in dealing with stakeholders, media, public institutions, governments and other organizations.

Personal Suitability

• High ethical standards and integrity
• Sound judgment
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Tact
• Discretion

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages is preferred.

Working Conditions

The position of Chairperson is a part time appointment. The Board of Directors meets three to four times per year in different locations across Canada. The incumbent must be willing to travel and participate in occasional meetings by conference call in advance of Board meetings. The average annual time commitment for this position is approximately 30 days.

Other Requirements

Pursuant to the CFI legislation and by-laws, the Chairperson:

• Must be a resident of Canada;
• Cannot have a bankrupt status; and
• Cannot be an employee or agent of Her Majesty in Right of Canada, a province or territory, or a member of the Senate, House of Commons or the legislature of a province or territory.

The electronic application form is now available online.  The submission deadline is February 15, 2010.

Instructions for completing the online application are available at CFI Online – Download Reference Forms.

KINGSTON, ON — December 16, 2009 — The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) today announced $59 million in support for 262 projects in 40 Canadian research institutions, allowing talented researchers to conduct cutting-edge research in world-class facilities. This investment, made under the CFI’s Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF), will benefit the work of 351 of the country’s brightest minds.

LOF investment at a glance:

• Total: $$59.39 million
• Institutions: 40
• Municipalities: 32
• Projects: 262
• Researchers supported: 351

“Our government supports science and technology to create jobs, improve the quality of life of Canadians and strengthen the economy,” said Minister of State Goodyear. “This investment will help develop, attract and retain the world’s best researchers at universities and other institutions in Canada.”

“Access to modern, cutting-edge equipment and facilities is imperative to research in the 21st century,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CFI. “For more than a decade, the CFI has provided thousands of world-class researchers with the tools they need to do their work. Without the right infrastructure, they quite simply wouldn’t be in Canada.”

These investments support cutting-edge research infrastructure that helps stimulate various sectors of the economy associated with such capital projects. It is estimated that every dollar invested directly in research yields more than $7 in economic benefits, including jobs.

The LOF is designed to support Canada’s quickly evolving research environment by giving Canadian universities the flexibility they need to attract and retain the world’s finest researchers at a time of intense international competition for knowledge workers.

The CFI’s Board of Directors approved a total investment of $59,394,902 following a rigorous merit-review process. This amount included $45,688,386 awarded under the LOF, and another $13,706,516 awarded under the Infrastructure Operating Fund, a complementary program designed to contribute to the incremental operating and maintenance costs of infrastructure projects funded by the CFI.

These investments provide researchers in Canada with the tools necessary to carry out a spectrum of innovative research, such as:

• Improving the testing environment for subjects of autism spectrum disorder research and their families. Dalhousie University, Halifax
• Employing ancient lake data to study key environmental issues, including climate change, water quality and contaminant transport. Queen’s University, Kingston
• Enhancing the quality of life and health of Canadians through new consumer self-care food products and improved diagnosis of life-threatening diseases. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
• Investigating the potential for alternative energy sources by developing new methods to safely store hydrogen for use in “green” fuels. University of Alberta, Edmonton
• Using cutting-edge imaging technologies to provide new insights into how the brain develops and changes in response to new experiences or pathology, such as stroke or diabetes. University of Victoria, Victoria 

For a complete list of the funded projects, visit www.innovation.ca.

For Canadian research success stories, visit the CFI’s online magazine, www.innovationcanada.ca.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has committed almost $5.2 billion in support of more than 6,300 projects at 130 research institutions in 65 municipalities across Canada.

The CFI was recently named one of Canada’s 50 Best Small and Medium Employers, 2009.

For more information:

Yves Melanson
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Tel.: 613-996-3160
Cell.: 613-447-1723
yves.melanson@innovation.ca

Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Tel.: 613-943-7599
gary.toft@ic.gc.ca

Leaders Opportunity Fund / Fonds des leaders

REGIONAL BACKGROUNDERS / FICHE D’INFORMATION PAR RÉGION

Alberta
British Columbia / Colombie-Britannique
Manitoba
New Brunswick / Nouveau Brunswick
Nova Scotia / Nouvelle-Écosse
Ontario
PEI
Quebec / Québec
Saskatchewan

Institution / Établissement	Projects Approved / Projets appuyés
Acadia University	2
Athabasca University	1
Brock University	5
Carleton University	2
Concordia University	1
Dalhousie University	6
Lakehead University	1
Laurentian University / Université Laurentienne	1
McGill University	20
McMaster University	9
Nova Scotia Agricultural College	2
Queen’s University	7
Royal Roads University	1
Ryerson University	1
Simon Fraser University	3
St. Francis Xavier University	1
Thompson Rivers University	2
Université Laval	21
Université de Montréal	18
Université de Sherbrooke	8
Université du Québec – Institut national de la recherche scientifique	4
Université du Québec – École de technologie supérieure	1
Université du Québec à Montréal	2
University of Alberta	12
University of British Columbia (The)	16
University of Calgary	8
University of Guelph	8
University of Lethbridge	2
University of Manitoba	15
University of New Brunswick	4
University of Northern British Columbia	3
University of Ottawa / Université d’Ottawa	8
University of Prince Edward Island	1
University of Regina	4
University of Saskatchewan	16
University of Toronto	19
University of Victoria	5
University of Waterloo	6
University of Western Ontario (The)	12
University of Windsor	4
Total 40 Institutions / des 40 établissements	262

Canada Foundation for Innovation /
Fondation canadienne pour l’innovation

Leaders Opportunity Fund / Fonds des leaders 

Project Title / Titre du projet	Maximum CFI Contribution / Contribution maximale de la FCI

Acadia University

Acadia Chemical Analysis and Bio-Imaging Laboratory	$129,135
Infrastructure for Nutrient Management and Drinking Water Treatment	$39,166
2 projects / projets	$168,301

Athabasca University

Infrastructure for Building 3D Virtual Classrooms	$13,422
1 project / projet	$13,422

Brock University

An Electrophysiological Approach to the Developmental Trajectories of Working Memory Functions	$125,617
Establishment of the Balance and Gait Laboratory to Investigate the Neural Strategies Used for Postural and Locomotor Control	$148,790
Neurovisceral Models of Mental Health and Personality	$35,965
The Development of Face Perception	$170,790
The Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) for Research on Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Materials and Thin Films of Compounds	$245,850
5 projects / projets	$727,012

Carleton University

Establishing a Research Facility to Study Cellular Responses to Neuronal Injury and Mechanisms to Promote Functional Repair	$179,218
Infrastructure for Impact Performance Evaluation of Advanced Materials	$39,250
2 projects / projets	$218,468

Concordia University

Infrastructure for Advanced Non-Intrusive Time Resolved Investigation of Cardiovascular Flows	$108,052
1 project / projet	$108,052

Dalhousie University

A Laboratory for Aquatic Genomics	$125,001
A Laboratory for Microbial Parasite Genetics and Genomics	$127,000
Electrophysiological and Molecular Studies of Natriuretic Peptide Effects in the Heart: Role in Ion Channel Regulation and Arrhythmogenesis	$125,001
Establishment of the Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychology Laboratory for Studies of Autism Spectrum Disorders	$122,832
Facility for Functional Genomic Analysis of Bacterial Pathogens	$123,372
Infrastructure to Advance the Study of Visual Neuroscience	$84,624
6 projects / projets	$707,830

Lakehead University

Protecting the Health of Canadian Waterways Using Modern Toxicological Techniques: Upgrade of the Lakehead University Aquatic Research Laboratory	$171,621
1 project / projet	$171,621

Laurentian University / Université Laurentienne

A Trace Element Mapping Facility for Geological Samples	$170,901
1 project / projet	$170,901

McGill University

A Multi-Disciplinary Initiative Using Mouse and Swine Models to Improve Reproductive Health in Women	99 442 $
Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance in Swine Production	100 000 $
Bionanofluidics Laboratory	316 492 $
Chemical Biology Facility for the Simulation of Innate Immunity	311 403 $
Control of Transcription by Histone Modification and Chromatin Assembly	139 397 $
DNA Nanochemistry Facility	399 595 $
Identification of Critical Targets in Melanoma and Lung Cancer Initiation and Progression	178 525 $
Infrastructure for Genomics-Assisted Plant Molecular Breeding Laboratory	100 000 $
Innovative Biocatalytic Approaches for the Synthesis of Novel Functional Ingredients and Nutraceuticals	100 655 $
Laboratory Dedicated to Simultaneous Electro-EncephaloGraphy (EEG) / Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS) Data Acquisition	195 499 $
Malnutrition and Metabolic Stress: Targeted Metabolomics Approaches Using Stable Isotope Kinetics in Piglets and Patients	308 000 $
Mass Spectrometer: Monitoring and Optimization of Environmental Factors for Fermentation	100 000 $
McGill Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (SARD) Project	316 887 $
Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer Disease	234 770 $
Moving Image Research Laboratory	391 046 $
Networked Embedded Systems Laboratory	60 000 $
Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Back Pain: Understanding the Biomechanical, Neuromuscular, and Clinical Effects of Conservative Treatment	80 900 $
Role of Melatonin 1 (MT1) and Melatonin 2 (MT2) Receptors: New Targets for Drug Discovery	135 423 $
The Role of the Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivators (PGCs) in the Regulation of Cancer Metabolism	140 000 $
Tools for Ultrafast Structural Dynamics at Atomic Resolution	203 356 $
20 projets / projects	3 911 390 $

McMaster University

Brain-Imaging in an Immersive Motion Simulator	$235,407
Drug Development in a Post-Antibiotic World: Infrastructure to Develop Novel Immunomodulatory Therapies for Treatment of Infectious Disease	$130,472
Infrastructure for Metabolic Research within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit	$396,905
Infrastructure to Establish a Research Laboratory for Bone Adaptation and Biomechanics	$250,000
Laboratory for Development of X-Ray Analysis Systems for Characterisation of Biological Materials and Body Composition	$100,000
Laboratory for Membrane and Protein Dynamics	$180,000
Laboratory for Mining Microbial Genomes for Bioactive Natural Products	$248,575
Mechanisms Underlying the Regenerative Capacity of Skeletal Muscle in Health and Disease	$249,396
Non-Invasive Imaging of Healthy and Diseased Human Skeletal Muscle	$100,000
9 projects / projets	$1,890,755

Nova Scotia Agricultural College

An Innovative Approach to Investigating the Regulation of Ruminant Ovarian Follicular and Luteal Dynamics	$47,619
Characterization and Modulation of the Immune Response of American Mink (Mustela Vison) to Infection with the Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV)	$34,150
2 projects / projets	$81,769

Queen's University

Control of Cell Surface Channel Density by Potassium as a Novel Mechanism for hERG Regulation	$200,000
Cryogenic Detectors for Dark Matter and Brittle Fracture	$185,102
Establishing a Queen's GeoComputation and Analysis Laboratory (GCAL) for Population Health and Disease Modeling	$100,882
Forest-Tundra Dynamics in a Changing Climate	$104,000
Gender Differences in Sexuality	$91,572
Paleolimnological Approaches to Environmental Issues	$50,000
Targeting Ischemic Depolarization in Acute Stroke	$142,000
7 projects / projets	$873,556

Royal Roads University

Paleoclimatic, Paleoceanographic and Paleoseismic History of the Northern Pacific Coast of British Columbia	$175,875
1 project / projet	$175,875

Ryerson University

Ryerson University Combined X-Ray Diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry Facility for the Evaluation of Phase Changes in Foods and other Materials	$264,401
1 project / projet	$264,401

Simon Fraser University

Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Institute (BCNI)	$200,000
Infectious Diseases Immunology Laboratory	$75,000
Research Infrastructure for Molecular Studies of Chronic Diseases	$150,000
3 projects / projets	$425,000

St. Francis Xavier University

Infrastructure to Develop Innovative Theories, Computer Models, and Instruments for Measurement of Gas Emission from Soils	$47,346
1 project / projet	$47,346

Thompson Rivers University

Climate Change and Disasters: Research Innovation in Small Cities and Rural Communities in British Columbia	$11,704
Suite for Electron Microscopy	$266,533
2 projects / projets	$278,237

Université Laval

A Two-Photon Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope to Study Cellular Response to DNA Damage in Mammalian Cells and for Functional Proteomics Characterizations	241 788 $
Biophotonics Laboratory for Quantitative Studies of Biological Machines	215 646 $
Development of Immunotherapies for the Treatment of Urological Cancers	239 474 $
Establishment of a Systems Biology Laboratory to Study the Organization and Evolution of Signaling Networks	249 188 $
Ge@Design: un studio multimedia de design géospatial délibératif	26 668 $
Imagerie intravitale du système nerveux lésé/malade par microscopie biphotonique	242 186 $
Infections parodontales : modèle d’étude des interactions hôte-pathogènes	233 606 $
Infrastructure d'analyse génomique fonctionnelle et populationnelle en foresterie	160 000 $
Infrastructure pour l'étude de l'écologie des populations fauniques abondantes : Impacts des variations de la densité d’orignaux et de l’intensité des coupes forestières sur les forêts	30 030 $
Instrumentation for Molecular Histopathological Characterization of Genetically Modified Mouse Models	203 041 $
Key Determinants of Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Among Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus	82 082 $
Laboratoire Cognition - Distribution, Organisation & Technologie (Co-DOT)	305 233 $
Laboratoire audionumérique de recherche et de création (LARC)	318 169 $
Laboratoire de confinement pour la manipulation d'agents pathogènes des végétaux	222 585 $
Laboratoire de recherche en génétique de la maladie osseuse de Paget	124 873 $
MicroRNAs in Neuronal Function and Survival: Relevance for Neurodegenerative Disorders	312 500 $
PIANO  (Portail intégré d’applications numériques pour ordinateur)	128 646 $
Skeletal Muscle Microcirculation and Exercise-Induced Blood Redistribution in Chronic Cardio-Respiratory Diseases: Impact on Muscle Function and Exercise Tolerance	173 932 $
Tau Protein in Neurobiology: Regulation and Deregulation in Vivo	128 776 $
Understanding Cell Growth and Migration Related to Cancer Using 4D Real-Time Microscopy of Model Systems	178 561 $
Équipement de caractérisation mécanique pour l’évaluation exhaustive de la compatibilité des matériaux de réparation et le développement de matériaux nouveaux	211 821 $
21 projets / projects	4 028 805 $

Université de Montréal

Characterization of New Biomaterials and Microencapsulation	107 980 $
Childhood Asthma Clinical Research Laboratory (CACRL) to Enhance the Evidence-Based Management of Childhood Asthma and Knowledge Translation into Clinical Practice	199 062 $
Computational Biology and Statistical Genomics Laboratory	77 768 $
Cystic Fibrosis: from the Basic Defect to the Bedside	398 199 $
Discovery and Translational Research Program in Hormone-Regulated Cancers	399 961 $
Establishment of Dr. B.H. Kwok's Laboratory at IRIC to Study Mitotic Spindle Assembly as it Relates to Cancer	127 999 $
Establishment of a Multidisciplinary Laboratory for the Study of Reward-Directed Behaviour in Normal and Pathological Conditions	105 673 $
In-Ear Real-Time Auditory Sensory Modification as a Tool for Basic Research into Human Sound Processing and Hearing Disorders	90 968 $
Initial Infrastructure for Multidisciplinary Molecular Studies of Cell Division Using Drosophila in the New Laboratory of Dr. Vincent Archambault	99 988 $
Laboratoire d'ethnomusicologie et d'organologie	163 076 $
Laboratory Installation in Imaging Mass Spectrometry	399 592 $
Laboratory of Neurophysiology for Brain Development Research	165 195 $
Mechanisms of Immunopathogenesis and Immune Evasion in HIV Infection	398 054 $
Neurobiology of Pain Processing in Osteoarthritis	101 067 $
Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis: Role of PPARgamma in Cartilage Growth and Development, and in Osteoarthritis	100 293 $
Plateforme d’imagerie des souris humanisées pour étude de l’immunopathologie de la greffe du sang de cordon	295 886 $
Pulmonary Parenchymal Ultrasound Research Program - Innovative Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods for Evaluating, Targeting and Treating Patients with Pulmonary Malignancy	128 979 $
Vascular Calcium Dynamics and Electrophysiology	219 972 $
18 projets / projects	3 579 712 $

Université de Sherbrooke

Détection et bioélimination de substances perturbatrices du système endocrinien (SPSEs)	163 610 $
High Speed Cell Sorter for Multiparametric Isolation of Specialized Lymphocyte Populations for Advanced Immunology Research Investigating Mechanisms that Govern Generation of Adaptive Immune Memory	241 279 $
IBM-Power 6 Server for Large Scale Computation in Dynamic Molecular Imaging and Attosecond Science /Serveur IBM-Power 6 pour simulation à grande dimension en imagerie Dynamique et Science Attoseconde	112 525 $
Laboratoire de biomécanique pour la prévention des troubles musculo-squelettiques	133 538 $
MONITOREP ou MONitorage Intra Thoracique Optique de la REparation Pulmonaire in vivo	71 150 $
Plateform for Studying Virulence Factors in Anaerobic Pathogens and for the Development of Phage-Based Therapeutic Agents	80 276 $
Système d'imagerie à fluorescence en temps réel pour la mesure de la concentration intracellulaire de calcium	77 373 $
Versatile Dilution Refrigerator for Solid-State Quantum Information Processing/ Réfrigérateur à Dilution Polyvalent pour le Traitement Quantique de l'Information dans la Matière Condensée	240 185 $
8 projets / projects	1 119 936 $

Université du Québec – Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Laboratoire d’analyse des mécanismes d’assimilation et de détoxication des métaux chez les organismes d’eaux douces	294 978 $
Laboratoire mobile de caractérisation physique, minéralogique et chimique des roches	300 925 $
Laboratory of Ferroelectric Nanoelectronics	250 879 $
Lifecourse Studies in Oral Health	127 602 $
4 projets / projects	974 384 $

Université du Québec – École de technologie supérieure

Ultra Electronics TCS Industrial Chair in High Performance Wireless Emergency and Tactical Communications	99 943 $
1 projet / project	99 943 $

Université du Québec à Montréal

Developmental Biology Unit for Studying Nervous System Development in Health and Disease	235 112 $
Laboratory for Graphene Based Biosensors and Solar Cells	202 026 $
2 projets / projects	437 138 $

University of Alberta

A Laboratory to Study Novel Aspects of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Regulation	$138,899
Biodiversity Science and Conservation Ecology Group	$134,731
Functional Inorganic Polymers: New Hydrogen Storage Materials and Precursors to Chemically Resistant and Insulating Nanomaterials	$96,400
In Vivo Cellular Imaging of Brain Structure and Function in Models of Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disease	$399,924
Infrastructure to Support the Environmental Risk Assessment of Novel Transgenic Crops	$260,039
Instrumentation for Nano-Particle Research	$101,334
Microfluidics Platform for Transport Processes in Porous Media related to Energy Sector	$89,577
Molecular Enzymology Laboratory	$120,321
Nano/Micro-Encapsulation of Nutraceuticals and Bioactives for Functional Foods	$168,700
Platelet-Angiogenesis Research Infrastructure for Development of Novel Angiogenesis Regulating Pharmaceuticals	$197,275
Post-Translational Modifications and the Proteome During Apoptosis	$393,683
Spatial Cognition in Virtual Environments	$127,972
12 projects / projets	$2,228,855

University of British Columbia (The)

Anaerobic Digestion Facility for Developing Innovative Biowaste to Renewable Energy Technologies	$124,593
Archaeology Isotope Laboratory: Developing and Applying New Tools for the Study of Past Human Diet and Nutrition	$396,298
Balancing Immunity and Inflammation in the Intestine	$122,635
Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology Research Facility (BLERF)	$136,970
Chromatographic Analysis and Preparation of Plant Triterpenoids	$67,975
Gas Sensor Characterization System	$41,226
High Resolution Raman Microspectroscopy for Nanoelectronic and Photonic Materials and Devices	$135,083
Inflammatory Macrophages (IMacs) Research Laboratory	$100,000
Infrastructure Security for Private, Sensitive Research on the Social Impact of Genetic Ancestry Testing	$54,634
Lipid Immunology Facility	$99,983
Neural Control of Force Production in Health and Disease	$128,014
Research Laboratory for Information System Analysis, Design, and Use	$33,223
Research Laboratory for the Study of Organizational Behaviour: Investigating the Role of Individual and Situational Factors on Moral Functioning	$31,488
The Membrane Excitability Laboratory - Exploring Ion Channel Function in Human Health and Disease	$145,288
The Sustainable Road Safety Research Lab: a Facility to Develop & Use Community-Based, Macro-Level Collision Prediction Models	$92,123
Tools for Medicinal Chemistry-Drug Discovery: Infrastructure for Small Molecule Library Construction	$60,000
16 projects / projets	$1,769,533

University of Calgary

A Laser Scanning Facility for Rapid Three-Dimensional Measurement	$139,525
Bioengineering Technologies for the Clinical Application of Stem Cells	$281,631
Cell and Molecular Biology Suites for Studying Reproductive Development in Canola and Arabidopsis	$389,415
High Power Micro Computed Tomography at the University of Calgary	$240,611
Infrastructure for Understanding the Molecular Basis and Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias	$395,519
Infrastructure for Investigation of Organic Nitrates and Reactive Halogens in Laboratory Experiments and in Ambient Air	$379,599
Petroleum Microbiology Research Laboratory	$193,022
Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry Facility for Plant Bioproducts Analysis	$430,539
8 projects / projets	$2,449,861

University of Guelph

A High-Performance Computer Facility to Support Research into the Genealogical and Physiological Basis of Multivariate Trait Variation and Evolution	$126,866
Ecological Studies of Wildlife Reservoirs of Emerging Zoonotic Diseases	$87,609
Infrastructure for the Study of Oncogenic Betaretroviruses	$120,711
Integrative Neurophysiology Laboratory	$124,571
Multi-Species Comparative Cancer Genetics	$117,954
Peat Resources, Boreal Ecosystem Function, and Terrestrial Carbon Cycling Under a Changing Climate	$176,453
Single-Crystal X-Ray Diffractometer	$165,694
Women’s Health and Wellbeing: Social Psychology Research Suite	$85,460
8 projects / projets	$1,005,318

University of Lethbridge

Memory Networks:  Ensemble Recording, Functional Imaging and Neurocomputational Studies on the Biology of Memory	$426,747
Tools for Studying DNA Damage and Repair	$122,087
2 projects / projets	$548,834

University of Manitoba

Biochemistry Laboratory for G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) Research	$252,992
Controlled Environment Lysimeter Facility	$181,796
Epigenetic Regulation and Human Disease	$378,074
Epigenetics and Stem Cell-Based Gene Therapy of Neurological Disorders: Establishment of Gene Transduction and Analysis Laboratory	$159,522
Gut Microbiome Laboratory	$337,150
High Content and Non-invasive Bioimaging Facility	$379,388
Infrastructure for Advanced Research in Gap Junction Neurobiology	$398,086
Infrastructure for Analyzing Immune Cell Trafficking in Vitro and in Vivo	$157,368
Infrastructure for Biophotonic Computational Imaging Laboratory	$134,013
Mesoscopic Wave Physics and Characterization of Complex Materials	$399,525
Murine MicroCT/Optical Imaging Laboratory	$536,593
Nanostructure Analysis Tools for Nanomagnetic Materials	$244,298
Protein/Nucleic Acid Biochemistry Laboratory	$159,922
Rapid Characterization of Post-Translational Modifications in Proteins Using a Tandem Time-of-Flight/Time-of-Flight MALDI Mass Spectrometer	$325,546
Signal Transduction Laboratory in Diabetes Research	$128,220
15 projects / projets	$4,172,493

University of New Brunswick

Chirped, Broad-Band, Stabilized Multibeam Sonar for Ocean Mapping Research and Arctic Operations	$396,415
Infrastructure to Support the Analysis of Population Genetic Structure of Marine Invertebrates	$100,895
Laboratory Facility for Research on Sustainable Concrete Construction	$234,588
Prevention, Rehabilitation and Treatment Strategies for the Vascular Complications of Diabetes Mellitus	$20,325
4 projects / projets	$752,223

University of Northern British Columbia

An Automated DNA Sequencer for Use in Mountain Pine Beetle Genomics Research	$103,775
Enhanced Capacity for Spectroscopy and Innovation in Bioenergy Applications	$96,588
Metabolic Health Research Laboratory for the study of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes	$110,970
3 projects / projets	$311,333

University of Ottawa / Université d’Ottawa

High Resolution Still, Moving, and Stereo Image Capture and Dissemination through the Creation and Exhibition of Innovative Interactive Artworks	$54,964
Imaging Memory Formation	$399,939
Laboratory for Micro- and Nano-Scale Biophysical Sensing	$189,282
Molecular Determinants and Behavioral Implications of Neurogenesis Throughout the Lifespan in Naïve and Pathological Conditions	$325,325
Molecular Structures for the Chemistry of Tomorrow	$322,524
Nanophotonics Research Facility	$399,942
Neurolipidomics:  Targeting the Metabolic Underpinnings of Neurodegenerative Disease	$363,608
Virtual Health Populomics Lab	$273,926
8 projects / projets	$2,329,510

University of Prince Edward Island

Quantum Chemical Method Development	$42,562
1 project / projet	$42,562

University of Regina

3-D Physical and Computational Reservoir Modelling Laboratory	$214,000
Child Health, Learning and Development (CHLD) Lab	$73,131
Infrastructure for Aging Musculoskeletal Research	$58,830
Proposal for the Prairie Environmental Process Laboratory (PEPL)	$144,269
4 projects / projets	$490,230

University of Saskatchewan

Advanced Imaging of Human Bone and Joints	$168,342
Advanced Rheometer for Organogel Testing	$49,624
Animal and Human Health Molecular Electrophysiology Laboratory	$135,889
Assessing Behaviour, the Thermal Environment and Nutrient Intake in Relationship to Bird Welfare in Turkeys and other Poultry Stocks	$34,573
Bioproduct Isolation Facility - Simulated Moving Bed Chromatograph and Ancillary Equipment	$230,000
Catalytic Ozonation Laboratory (COL)	$91,052
Deciphering the Vital Role Played by Mitochondrial Dynamics in the Life and Death of Multicellular Organisms	$59,800
Detection, Characterization, and Epidemiological Investigation of Zoonotic Pathogens of Public Health Significance: Zoonotic Parasite Research Unit	$64,500
Establishment of a Molecular Biology Laboratory to Investigate the Role of AMPK Ubiquitination in the Regulation of Metabolism	$60,373
Examination of Radioactive Materials by Powder X-Ray Diffraction	$133,721
Genetics of Speciation: Molecular Basis of Reproductive Isolation and Ecological Adaptation	$80,860
Physiology of Integrative Exercise Rehabilitation (PIER) Laboratory: Integrative Exercise Limitations in Patients with COPD	$54,199
Proteomic Analysis of the Enzymes of Neutral Lipid Metabolism	$59,999
Spatial Analysis for Innovation in Health Research	$69,884
The Development of the Saskatchewan Inflammatory Bowel Disease Epidemiology Program	$43,166
The Establishment of HPLC-MS/MS Infrastructure: Towards the Development of Novel Quantification Methods	$130,822
16 projects / projets	$1,466,804

University of Toronto

Critical Making: the Materialization of Digital Information	$34,113
Dyadic Psychophysiology Lab: a Multi-Method Approach to Intergroup Relations	$54,584
Establishment of a Laboratory for Research on the Evolutionary Genetics of Animal Behaviour	$200,340
Establishment of a Live-Cell Imaging and Biochemistry Laboratory for Research in Organelle Biogenesis and Degradation	$448,654
Establishment of a Protein Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory for Research in Plant Development and Stress Biology	$150,000
High Performance Computing Infrastructure for Large-Scale Healthcare Optimization	$91,324
Human Annotated Interaction Networks - A Resource to Analyze Genetic Variants and Disease Mutations	$92,278
Infrastructure for DNA Damage and Neurotoxicology	$170,884
Infrastructure for Molecular Genetics and Therapeutics in Sarcoma	$390,188
Integrated Watershed Hydrology and Biogeochemistry Research Facility for the Study of Contaminant Transport and Transformation	$220,000
Laboratory for Computational Structural Biology	$200,000
Manufacture and Testing of Advanced Aerospace Materials	$29,643
Massively Parallel Computation and Massive Storage for the Application of Deep Learning to Large Databases	$37,214
Muscle Function and Performance in Children with Muscular Dystrophy	$82,196
Ontario Child Abuse and Neglect Data System	$277,335
PPARalpha as a Mediator of Sex Differences in Autoimmunity	$102,828
Pharmacogenetics in Psychiatry: a New Era of Personalized Medicine	$399,056
Research Laboratory for Mobile Genetic Elements in Eukaryotic Genomes	$143,246
Studying the Role of Macro-Autophagy in Mediating Response to Antiangiogenic Tumour Therapy	$45,037
19 projects / projets	$3,168,920

University of Victoria

Laboratory for Integrative Lifespan Developmental Research	$170,000
Laboratory for Nanoscale Materials, Mechanics and Transport	$110,000
Language and Cognition Lab	$52,500
Two-Photon Laser Scanning Microscope (2PLSM) for Imaging Neuronal and Vascular Circuit Assembly and Remodelling in the Living Brain	$150,000
Ultrastructural Research Laboratory for Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Biological Tissues	$150,000
5 projects / projets	$632,500

University of Waterloo

A Parallel Multi-processor, Multi-Core Environment for Optimization	$91,982
Analysis and Modelling of the Land-Atmosphere System for Understanding Climate and Air Quality	$93,939
Computer Cluster for Quantum Molecular Dynamics Simulations: from Quantum Nanoclusters to Biological Systems	$150,000
Fabrication Facility for Superconducting Quantum Devices	$164,000
Macromolecular Crystallography at Waterloo	$171,008
Organism-Environment Feedback Facility	$125,000
6 projects / projets	$795,929

University of Western Ontario (The)

A Live-Cell Fluorescent Imaging and Proteomic Laboratory for Studying Proteins Implicated in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases	$169,304
A Novel High Speed Optical Flow Measurement System	$201,189
Cellular Reprogramming Laboratory to Evaluate Epigenetic Programming Events During Development and in the Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells	$208,254
Center for Study of Whole Body Vibration	$251,423
Development of a Quantitative Laser Imaging Platform for Plant Canopies	$275,200
Imaging Platform with Scanning Probe Microscopy: Unveiling and Manipulating Nature’s Form and Function at the Nanoscale	$198,679
Laboratory for Multifunctional Nanocomposites	$216,342
Laboratory for the Assessment of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Phenotypes in Genetically Modified Mice	$193,593
Laboratory of Neurochemistry of Dementia	$398,227
Research Infrastructure to Study Rapid and Repeated Evolution of Salmonids	$179,535
Studies in Behavioural Genetics: Infrastructure for Molecular Biology and Genomic Research	$167,744
The CulturePlex: a Lab for the Study of Cultural Complexity	$200,105
12 projects / projets	$2,659,595

University of Windsor

Environmental and Geologic Sample Preparation and Infrared Microscopy Facility	$135,528
Experimental Research Hatchery System for Studying the Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation of Genetic Quality in Fishes	$149,093
Infrastructure to Generate Innovative Insights into Novel Risk Factors for Atherothrombotic Diseases	$198,897
Noiseborder Multimedia Performance Laboratory	$94,014
4 projects / projets	$577,532

The application form mockup has been added to CFI Online – Download Reference Forms section of the CFI website.  Those wishing to prepare a draft budget may use the “All Funds: Financial Information” form available in the same section of our website. These forms are intended to assist institutions prepare drafts of their online submissions.

Institutions will be notified when the electronic submission forms are available online.

The electronic Notice of Intent form is now available online. The submission deadline is December 15, 2009.

Instructions for completing the electronic NOI form, as well as the online application (available at a later date) have been added to CFI Online - Download Reference Forms.

Leaders Opportunity Fund ($1M-$2M) 2010 Competition Guidelines have been posted.

 - Download Presentation (PDF format)

A question of productivity

Relative to other OECD countries, Canada has many advantages that should propel it to the top of global quality of life rankings. But lagging productivity has been undermining our position. How can innovation, education and partnerships play a role in boosting Canada’s productivity gap? Charles Baillie, one of the country’s foremost business leaders and philanthropists, explores what drives Canada’s economy and what is needed to strengthen its global standing.

Leaders Opportunity Fund – Funding for infrastructure associated with a Canada Research Chair /
Fonds des leaders – Financement de l’infrastructure liée à une Chaire de recherche du Canada

- Provincial Cumulative Totals (PDF, 45KB)

Institution / Établissement	Projects Approved / Projets appuyés
Cape Breton University	1
École Polytechnique de Montréal	1
McGill University	6
Ryerson University	1
Simon Fraser University	1
Thompson Rivers University	1
Université de Moncton	1
Université de Montréal	3
Université de Sherbrooke	2
Université du Québec – École de technologie supérieure	1
Université du Québec en Outaouais	1
Université du Québec à Rimouski	1
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières	2
University of British Columbia (The)	4
University of Guelph	2
University of Manitoba	3
University of New Brunswick	3
University of Northern British Columbia	1
University of Saskatchewan	2
University of Toronto	4
University of Victoria	1
University of Waterloo	2
University of Western Ontario (The)	1
Wilfrid Laurier University	1
Total  24  institutions / établissements	46

 
with special guest Mr. A. Charles Baillie,
Chair, Alberta Investment Management Corp.,
Chancellor Emeritus of Queen’s University,
and former CEO and Chair of TD Bank

 - Download Invitation (PDF, 168KB)

A question of productivity

Relative to other OECD countries, Canada has many advantages that should propel it to the top of global quality of life rankings. But lagging productivity has been undermining our position. How can innovation, education and partnerships play a role in boosting Canada’s productivity gap? Charles Baillie, one of the country’s foremost business leaders and philanthropists, explores what drives Canada’s economy and what is needed to strengthen its global standing.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 – 8 a.m.
NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE – PANORAMA ROOM
53 Elgin Street (at Confederation Square), Ottawa

A complimentary continental breakfast will be served.
There is no charge for this event, but register early since space is limited.

RSVP by October 14, 2009: 613-996-4426 or rsvp@innovation.ca

Please feel free to extend this invitation to others who may be interested.

“I would like to congratulate these exceptional new Directors who bring dedication and expertise in their respective fields to this position,” said Dr. Leggett. “I am confident they will be effective advocates for the CFI. I look forward to working with them to uphold the CFI’s mission to fund research infrastructure and to continue to help the Government of Canada achieve its science & technology objectives.”

The CFI is governed by a Board of Directors that makes final decisions on the projects it funds and sets strategic objectives in the context of its funding agreement. Directors are appointed for a three-year term. The Board approves annual plans and objectives, and reviews their outcomes.

Dr. Sheila Brown is the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Public Affairs (CCEPA), a joint initiative between Halifax-based Saint Mary’s University and the Atlantic School of Theology that provides an arena for critical thinking, public discussion and research into current ethical challenges in society. From 1996 to 2006, she was the President and Vice-Chancellor of Mount Saint Vincent University, as well as a Professor of Business. She has been honoured with the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Distinguished Member Award of the Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education, and was selected five times as one of Atlantic Business magazine’s “Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada.”

Dr. Louise Proulx is the Vice President, Product Development, at ViroChem Pharma Inc. She holds a PhD in physiology from Université Laval and pursued post-doctoral studies at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. She has close to 30 years experience in research and science management. Dr. Proulx focused on prostate and breast cancer at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université Laval between 1977 and 1985, and from 1985 to 2001, she held a number of scientific positions with several organizations. Throughout her career, Dr. Proulx has been a member of several boards of directors, and is currently Director of GeminX Pharmaceuticals Inc., Alethia Biotherapeutics, Inc. and Diagnocure Inc. She has also recently been elected to the board of Génome Québec. 

A complete list of the CFI Board of Directors, along with biographical information, is available here.

The CFI is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.

For more information:  

Yves Melanson
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Tel.: 613-996-3160
Cell.: 613-447-1723

Speaking Notes - The Honourable Tony Clement, PC, MP, Minister of Industry

Supporting 133 projects through the CFI’s Leading Edge Fund and New Initiatives Fund will help Canada’s best and brightest researchers conduct cutting-edge research with world-class equipment and facilities. This investment in Canada’s research enterprise will help stimulate the economy by employing the workers to build the labs and equipment needed to conduct cutting-edge research, as well as the technicians and scientists to efficiently run them.

“Through the CFI, our government is creating leading-edge facilities to attract world-class researchers,” said Minister Tony Clement. “Our government understands that these investments provide a significant short-term economic stimulus while making a difference in the lives of Canadians.”

Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI, joined Minister Clement at the University of Ottawa in making the announcement. 

 “By investing in leading-edge research infrastructure, we are ensuring that our country continues to prosper as a nation of innovation,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI.  “This new investment will substantially increase Canada’s capacity to carry out important world-class scientific research and technology development that will benefit all Canadians.”

This funding will lead to new discoveries and technologies that will keep Canada competitive in the global marketplace. Past funding has enabled groundbreaking advances in many areas, including spinal cord research, green building technology, quantum computing, and climate change.

Today’s investment was approved by the CFI’s Board of Directors following a rigorous merit-based expert review process. 

A total of $247,664,977 was awarded to 64 projects under the Leading Edge Fund, which enables institutions to build on already successful and productive initiatives supported by past CFI investments. $264,741,466 was awarded to 69 projects under the New Initiatives Fund, which aims to enhance Canada’s capacity in promising new areas of research and technology development.

An additional $153,721,933 was awarded under the Infrastructure Operating Fund, a mechanism that assists institutions with the incremental operating and maintenance costs associated with the new infrastructure.

A complete list of award recipients, as well as a list of all projects funded by the CFI to date, is available here.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.

 For more information:

Yves Melanson Coordinator, Media Relations Canada Foundation for Innovation Tel.: 613-996-3160 Cell.: 613-447-1723

Pema Lhalungpa Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Tony Clement Minister of Industry 613-995-9001   Media Relations Industry Canada 613-943-2502

REGIONAL BACKGROUNDERS / FICHE D’INFORMATION PAR RÉGION 

Alberta
British Columbia / Colombie-Britannique
Manitoba
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia / Nouvelle-Écosse
Ontario
Quebec / Québec
 Saskatchewan

Institution / Établissement	Projects Approved / Projets appuyés
Athabasca University	1
Center for Addiction and Mental Health	1
Concordia University	3
Dalhousie University	1
École Polytechnique de Montréal	7
HEC Montréal	1
Hospital for Sick Children	2
McGill University	5
McMaster University	6
Memorial University of Newfoundland	1
Mount Sinai Hospital	3
Ontario Institute for Cancer Research	1
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics	1
Queen’s University	7
Ryerson University	2
Saint Mary’s University	1
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre	1
Université Laval	3
Université de Montréal	10
Université de Sherbrooke	4
Université du Québec en Outaouais	1
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi	1
Université du Québec à Montréal	2
University Health Network	3
University of Alberta	6
University of British Columbia (The)	12
University of Calgary	2
University of Guelph	3
University of Lethbridge	1
University of Manitoba	3
University of Ontario Institute of Technology	1
University of Ottawa / Université d’Ottawa	2
University of Regina	2
University of Toronto	16
University of Victoria	4
University of Waterloo	4
University of Western Ontario (The)	4
University of Windsor	1
University of Winnipeg (The)	1
Wilfrid Laurier University	2
York University	1
Total 41 Institutions /des 41 établissements	133

Leading Edge Fund / Fonds de l’avant-garde

New Initiatives Fund / Fonds des initiatives nouvelles

Athabasca University

Center for Addiction and Mental Health

Concordia University

Dalhousie University

École Polytechnique de Montréal

HEC Montréal

Hospital for Sick Children (The)

McGill University

McMaster University

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Mount Sinai Hospital

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

Queen’s University

Ryerson University

Saint Mary’s University

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Université Laval

Université de Montréal

Université de Sherbrooke

Université du Québec en Outaouais

Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

Université du Québec à Montréal

University Health Network

University of Alberta

University of British Columbia (The)

University of Calgary

University of Guelph

University of Lethbridge

University of Manitoba

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

University of Ottawa / Université d’Ottawa

University of Regina

University of Toronto

University of Victoria

University of Waterloo

University of Western Ontario (The)

University of Windsor

University of Winnipeg (The)

Wilfrid Laurier University

York University

Updated Instruction Manuals

New Forms or Templates

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or feedback.

Now in its fifth year, this award honours the writer of an outstanding print story that contributes to an increased awareness and understanding of science in Canada.

“The CFI is proud to host this competition,” says Eliot Philipson, President and CEO of the CFI. “It honours the talented writers who help Canadians understand the complex world of science.”

The $5,000 Science Writing Award is one of the most prestigious awards of its kind in Canada, generating quality entries from writers across the country.

For more information or to submit an entry, please visit: 

2009 CFI Science Writing Award 

For more information:

Yves Melanson

Coordinator, Media Relations

Canada Foundation for Innovation

Tel.: 613-996-3160

yves.melanson@innovation.ca

In preparing for this and future competitions, and to inform the CFI’s strategic plan moving forward, the CFI is engaging Canada’s research community to explore current and emerging issues, gauge the value of the CFI’s program architecture, and identify possible improvements to future funding programs.

These consultations will look at four broad areas:

• Focusing resources in areas of priority and strength that will enhance Canada’s competitiveness, prosperity and global impact;
• Sustaining and improving previous investments in infrastructure;
• Enhancing the role of Canadian institutions in knowledge translation and commercialization that is of benefit to Canada;
• Identifying the long-term opportunities and challenges that the CFI should consider in its next competition and beyond.

The CFI encourages members of the research community to read its discussion paper, CFI Program Consultation ( PDF format, 120 KB) , for more information on these broad areas, and provide feedback by May 22, 2009, to:

Jac van Beek
Vice President, Programs and Planning
jac.vanbeek@innovation.ca

This investment, under the CFI’s Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF), continues to support the innovative research infrastructure that helps stimulate the various sectors of our economy associated with such capital projects. It is estimated that every dollar invested directly in research yields more than $7 in economic benefits, including spin-off jobs.

The LOF program is designed to support Canada’s quickly evolving research environment by giving Canadian universities the flexibility they need to attract and retain the world’s finest researchers at a time of intense international competition for knowledge workers.

Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI, joined the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, today at the University of Guelph in making the announcement.

“This investment reflects our government’s commitment to research excellence,” said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology. “The success of the CFI’s LOF program is helping to improve Canada’s research performance, and this funding will ensure that we continue to rank among the most innovative countries in the world.”

“As primary drivers of our innovation economy, Canada’s research universities are a vital part of ensuring the nation’s economic recovery over both the short and long term, and these investments play a key role in furthering that work,” said Dr. Phillipson.

In March, the CFI’s Board of Directors approved a total investment of $26,712,283 following a rigorous merit-review process. This amount included:  

• $20,559,448 awarded under the Leaders Opportunity Fund;
• $6,152,835 awarded under the Infrastructure Operating Fund, a complementary program designed to contribute to the incremental operating and maintenance costs of infrastructure projects funded by the CFI.

These investments provide researchers in Canada with the tools necessary to carry out a wide spectrum of innovative research, such as:

• Using new meteorological devices to gather data to help operators make more efficient wind farms (Université de Moncton, Moncton, N.B.);
• Developing new magnetic contrasts agents for biomedical imaging research and applying nanotechnology to it (Université Laval, Québec);
• Improving the user experience in digital gaming and immersive environments for use in education (McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.);
• Enhancing the quality of life for the elderly through new treatment options for type 2 diabetes (University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.);
• Establishing new therapeutic strategies for effective detection and treatment of diseases, such as cancer (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.). 

For a complete list of the funded projects, please click here.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI's mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has committed almost $4.5 billion in support of more than 6,000 projects at 129 research institutions in 64 municipalities across Canada.

For more information:

Yves Melanson
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Tel.: 613-996-3160
Cell.: 613-447-1723
yves.melanson@innovation.ca

Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Tel.: 613-647-2956

Leaders Opportunity Fund / Fonds des leaders

REGIONAL BACKGROUNDERS / FICHE D’INFORMATION PAR RÉGION

Alberta
British Columbia / Colombie-Britannique
Manitoba
New Brunswick / Nouveau Brunswick
Nova Scotia / Nouvelle-Écosse
Ontario
Quebec / Québec
Saskatchewan

Canada Foundation for Innovation/
Fondation canadienne pour l’innovation

Leaders Opportunity Fund / Fonds des leaders

Acadia University

Laboratory for Investigating Ultratrace Organic Contaminants in the Environment	$129,016
1 project / projet	$129,016

Dalhousie University

Imaging and Experimental Laboratory for Diamond Studies	$105,902
1 project / projet	$105,902

McGill University

A Laboratory to Study the Genetic Epidemiology of Aging-Related Disease	115 246 $
Biological Templates for Organizing Hybrid Nanostructures	279 928 $
Establishment of a Chronobiological Research Unit to Investigate the Physiological Relevance of the Multi-Oscillator, Circadian Timing System: From Molecules to Behavior and Pathophysiology	140 000 $
Establishment of a Neuroendocrinology Unit to Investigate the Role of Adult Neurogenesis in Energy Balance Regulation	140 000 $
Laboratory for Neuropsychopharmacological Pain Research	140 000 $
Low-Power Photonic Interconnects for Data Centres	172 001 $
Metabolism and Cancer: Studying the Integration of Signal Transduction and Metabolism in Tumourigenesis	160 000 $
7 projets / projects	1 147 175 $

McMaster University

G-ScalE:  Gaming Scalability Environment	$258,886
Infrastructure to Study the Interactions Between Immune and Endocrine Systems in Gut in the Context of Intestinal Pathophysiology and Host Defense	$250,341
McMaster Archaeological XRF Lab	$63,301
Thermal Energy Recovery & Management Testing Platform	$99,493
4 projects / projets	$672,021

Mount Allison University

An Integrated Facility for the Preparation and Analysis of Nanostructured Materials and Surfaces	$139,316
Crabtree Aqualab: Centre for Aquatic Sciences	$125,000
2 projects / projets	$264,316

Queen's University

Cellular Genomics of Cancer	$494,649
Developing Intervention Models and Dissemination Strategies for Promoting Physical Activity for Adults with a Mobility Impairment	$95,000
Signal Processing for Fiber-Optic Communications	$181,711
Slowing the Allergy Epidemic through Understanding and Prevention: A Dual-Themed Research Initiative in Atopy	$179,509
Structural and Functional Analysis of Cancer-Related Proteins	$46,165
The Function and Structure of Human Arteries in Health, Stress and Disease	$80,000
6 projects / projets	$1,077,034

Simon Fraser University

Antenna Radiation Pattern Measurement Facility	$400,000
Audio Video Imaging (AVI) Preschool Research Centre	$80,000
Environmental Fluid and Sediment Dynamics Laboratory	$273,999
High-Resolution Confocal Microscopy Facility	$200,000
4 projects / projets	$953,999

St. Francis Xavier University

A Laboratory for Atmospheric Trace Gas Detection using the Properties of Whispering-Gallery Mode Micro-Resonators	$93,120
Infrastructure for the Airway Surfactant Research Laboratory: the Significance of Surfactant in a Tubular Lung	$95,172
Molluscan Neuroethology Laboratory	$138,816
3 projects / projets	$327,108

Université Laval

Development of a Research Laboratory to Study Brain Tumors	123 767 $
Genomics of Cardio-Respiratory Diseases	124 048 $
Imagerie des tissus adipeux reconstruits par génie tissulaire: revascularisation et structure	151 557 $
Laboratoire d'enquête ethnologique et multimédia (LEEM), phase 2	230 622 $
Optimisation de la ventilation mécanique (sevrage ventilatoire – sommeil et ventilation - automatisation de la ventilation – évaluation de matériel - ventilation en situation d'urgence)	173 309 $
Pre-clinical MRI Facility to Accelerate the Development of High Sensitivity Contrast Agents	270 653 $
*Laboratoire de recherche en production et composition du lait bovin	124 903 $
7 projets / projects	1 198 859 $

* Funding for Research Infrastructure Associated with a NSERC Industrial Chair
* Financement de l’infrastructure liée à une Chaire industrielle du CRSNG 

Université de Moncton

Integrated Infrastructure for Comprehensive Wind Resource Assessment for Wind Energy	250 600 $
1 projet / project	250 600 $

Université de Montréal

ApoB-Lipoproteins; in the Promotion and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes	131 284 $
Essentialité de la plateforme nutrigénomique pour la compréhension des effets lipidiques et de leur impact sur les maladies complexes	343 201 $
Formulating Nanosuspensions into Improved Conventional Dosage Forms	156 208 $
Research to Prevent and Treat Perinatal Programming of Chronic Kidney and Cardiovascular Diseases, and Diabetic Nephropathy	223 405 $
4 projets / projects	854 098 $

Université de Sherbrooke

Facility for the Development of Catalytic Enantioselective Methods / Infrastructure pour le développement de méthodes énantiosélectives catalytiques	102 750 $
Inhibitor Development Targeting the Proprotein Convertases in Cancer and Infectious Diseases	207 724 $
2 projets / projects	310 474 $

Université du Québec à Montréal

Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Laboratory for Drug Metabolism and Metabolomics Studies	267 493 $
Infrastructure BIRHNA au Laboratoire international d'étude multidisciplinaire comparée des représentations de l'hiver, du Nord et de l'Arctique	158 394 $
Laboratoire de Méthodologie et Synthèse de Produits Naturels (LSMPN)	208 730 $
3 projets / projects	634 617 $

University of Alberta

ACHORD Research Laboratory: Population Health and Health Outcomes Research in Diabetes	$276,959
Establishment of a Facility to Study Carcinogen Metabolism and Transmembrane Transport	$215,020
From the Microcirculation to Whole-Body Function:  Laboratories to Investigate the Effects of Aging and Physical Activity on Vascular Control and Functional Capacity	$173,922
In Vivo Evaluation of Immune Tolerance	$60,280
Infrastructure for the Air Quality Characterization and Control Research Laboratory	$125,000
Laboratory for the Development and In Situ Characterization of Complex Solid/Liquid Interfaces: From Biomimetic Materials to Greener Catalysts	$240,000
Low Background Counting Facility at the University of Alberta	$80,000
MALDI TOF-TOF Mass Spectrometry for Elucidation of Glycan Structure and Protein Post Translational Modification in Glycobiology	$369,776
Molecular Analysis of the Host-Pathogen Interface	$121,087
Structural and Functional Studies of Membrane Proteins in Disease	$227,856
10 projects / projets	$1,889,900

University of British Columbia (The)

Canadian Long QT Syndrome and Sudden Arrhythmic Death Genetic Research Laboratory	$106,556
Cell Analysis Suite for High Throughput Functional Genomics Studies	$185,036
Control System of Digital Microfluidic Devices	$124,692
High Resolution Electron Microscope for Ultrastructural Analysis of Biological Samples	$400,510
High Temperature and High Pressure Autoclave for Electrochemical Process Characterization	$65,780
High-Speed 3D Laser Scanning Facility for Innovation in Product Design Technologies	$102,705
High-Throughput, High-Content Imaging Infrastructure for Diabetes Research	$307,186
Immunoproteomics for Chlamydia Vaccine Discovery	$324,500
Infrastructure for Quantification of Muscle Activity and Single Motor Units During Movement	$151,401
Laboratory for Photosensor Development and Applications for Particle Physics	$126,574
Metalloproteins in Medicine	$394,000
Model-Based Building and Infrastructure Engineering Test Bed	$40,000
Psychology of Exercise, Health, and Physical Activity Laboratory (PEHPA Lab)	$59,536
Sensori-Motor Control in Persons with Alzheimers Disease and Multiple Sclerosis	$122,725
Solid-State Characterization of Complexes, Catalysts and Drug Targets	$187,818
The Integrated Watershed Analysis Laboratory (IWAL): a Facility for the Synchronous, Coupled Study of Complex Phenomena in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments	$278,571
Upgrade of the Affymetrix DNA Microarray Facility in the Wine Research Centre at UBC	$60,844
17 projects / projets	$3,038,434

University of Calgary

Bioenergy and the Uncultured Microbial Majority	$329,394
Harnessing Leading Edge Technology for Osteoarthritis Therapeutics: Unprecedented Resolution of Cartilage Cell Signaling & Macromolecular Interaction Within Synovial Fluid	$513,360
Microfocus X-Ray Diffractometer	$288,808
The Study of Bacterial Ecology of Human Intestine in Health and Disease	$253,620
4 projects / projets	$1,385,182

University of Guelph

A Centre for Cognitive-Affective Neuroscience	$163,885
Discovery and Development of Biomaterials	$463,796
Model-Based Clustering with Applications in Bioinformatics and Food Authenticity	$118,362
Postharvest Biochemistry of  Horticulture Quality	$125,242
Zebrafish Laboratory for Development and Disease	$126,134
*Establishing a Virtual Reality Laboratory To Study Risk Factors for Child-Pedestrian Injury and 'Best Practices' for Prevention	$124,563
6 projects / projets	$1,121,982

* Funding for Research Infrastructure Associated with a CIHR Industrial Chair  
* Financement de l’infrastructure liée à une Chaire industrielle des IRSC

University of Manitoba

Biofuels Biotechnology & Fermentation Laboratory	$400,000
Emulation Testbed for QoS Provisioning in the Next Generation Wireless Communication Networks	$92,330
2 projects / projets	$492,330

University of New Brunswick

Infrastructure in Support of the iBOL Marine Biodiversity Initiative	$240,618
Spatially-Resolved Trace Element Characterization of Earth Materials	$327,204
2 projects / projets	$567,822

University of Ottawa / Université d’Ottawa

Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit (HEPRU)	$338,763
Infrastructure for Bioinformatics Research Concerning Gene Regulation	$115,916
Population Health Impact Assessment Data Centre	$81,800
Protein-Protein Interactions In Cardiovascular Disease	$107,974
4 projects / projets	$644,453

University of Saskatchewan

A Computer Cluster for Research on Efficient Bayesian Statistical Methods	$73,301
A Research and Design Laboratory for Microelectronics in Extreme Environments	$60,000
Behavioural and Electrophysiological Neuroscience Research Laboratory	$97,765
Computational Infrastructure for Numerical Experimentation in Nanosystem Modelling and Nanosignal Processing	$42,962
Development of a Data Laboratory for Methodological Research about the Quality of Administrative Health Data with Applications to Chronic Disease	$62,742
Quality End of Life Research Center	$109,137
6 projects / projets	$445,907

University of Toronto

Archaeological Spatial and Architectural Laboratory	$74,302
Hyperpolarized Carbon-13 for Guiding Therapy	$208,697
Infrastructure for a Behavioural Pharmacology Laboratory Specializing in Mental Health and Addictions	$123,638
Laboratory for the Study of Polarity Proteins in Breast Cancer	$399,973
MHC-Independent Innate Immune Recognition by Natural Killer Cells	$99,912
Memory Organization in the Human Brain	$100,000
Molecular Anthropology and Primatology Laboratory for the Study of Evolution (MAPLE)	$70,000
Systems Analysis of Thermosensation in E. Coli and C. Elegans	$300,000
The Ecology and Evolution of Mutualism: Infrastructure for Field and Laboratory Research	$109,600
9 projects / projets	$1,486,122

University of Victoria

A Hyperspectral Infrared Imaging Facility for the Non Destructive Spectroscopic Scanning of Geological Core	$152,647
Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics	$120,000
Traffic Management Support for the High-Speed Data Network Lab	$72,931
3 projects / projets	$345,578

University of Waterloo

Evaluation of Body Composition in Health and Disease	$56,232
Integrated Facility for Assessing Microbial Community Diversity and Function	$150,000
Visualization and Biotelematics Environment	$179,867
*Vacuum Deposition System for Fabrication of Organic Electronic Devices	$150,000
4 projects / projets	$536,099

* Funding for Research Infrastructure Associated with a NSERC Industrial Chair  
* Financement de l’infrastructure liée à une Chaire industrielle du CRSNG

University of Western Ontario (The)

Facility for Stable Isotope Analysis (FacSIA) of Modern and Ancient Biogeochemical Cycles in the Global Environment	$394,971
1 project / projet	$394,971

University of Windsor

Synthetic Macromolecular Chemistry for Well-Defined Advanced Materials	$48,169
1 project / projet	$48,169

University of Winnipeg (The)

Laboratory for Very Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Hyperpolarized Nuclei and SQUID-Based Detection	$140,407
1 project / projet	$140,407

Vancouver Island University

Estimating the Carbon Sequestration, Thermal Insulation and Water Management Benefits of Green Roofs in British Columbia	$46,451
1 project / projet	$46,451

Wilfrid Laurier University

Patch Clamp Electrophysiology Setup for Recording Neurons in Acute Brain Slices	$50,422
1 project / projet	$50,422

Leaders Opportunity Fund – Funding for infrastructure associated with a Canada Research Chair /
Fonds des leaders – Financement de l’infrastructure liée à une Chaire de recherche du Canada

- Provincial Cumulative Totals (PDF, 65KB)

Summary By Institution / Sommaire par établissement

Institution / Établissement	Projects Approved / Projets appuyés
Athabasca University	1
Brock University	2
Carleton University	1
McGill University	4
McMaster University	2
Memorial University of Newfoundland	1
Royal Military College	1
Saint Mary’s University	1
Université de Montréal	2
Université de Sherbrooke	2
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue	1
Université du Québec à Montréal	1
Université du Québec à Rimouski	1
University of British Columbia (The)	7
University of Calgary	1
University of Guelph	2
University of New Brunswick	1
University of Ontario Institute of Technology	1
University of Ottawa / Université d’Ottawa	2
University of Saskatchewan	2
University of Toronto	1
University of Waterloo	2
University of Western Ontario (The)	2
University of Windsor	1
Total  24  institutions / établissements	42

List of Approved Projects by Institution /
Liste des projets appuyés par établissement

OTTAWA, February 4, 2009—Federal Budget 2009 includes an allocation of $750 million of new funding to the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for “leading-edge research infrastructure.”

 - Download Dr. Phillipson's speaking notes (PDF format).

Consistent with its Science and Technology Strategy, the Government [of Canada] is committed to continue providing support for leading-edge research infrastructure through the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Budget 2009

“Budget 2009’s announcement of $750 million dollars to the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), for leading-edge research infrastructure, is welcome news for the research enterprise in Canada,’’ said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. “It demonstrates the confidence that government places in the CFI and confirms its continuing commitment to building a competitive knowledge advantage for Canada, based on excellence in science and technology.”

‘‘For more than a decade, the CFI has proven it can deliver results, while maintaining accountability and effective management practices, ’’ said Dr. William Leggett, Chairman of the CFI’s Board of Directors. ‘‘In its most recent budget, the Government of Canada has not only invested in short-tem economic stimulus, but also clearly recognizes the importance of investments in research infrastructure that will provide mid- to long-term benefits.’’

Of the total amount announced for the CFI, Budget 2009 provides $150 million to increase the funding available for meritorious projects in the 2009 Leading Edge and New Initiatives Funds Competition.  In addition, Budget 2009 provides $600 million for future activities of the CFI, including the launch of one or more new competitions by December 2010.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has committed almost $4.5 billion in support of more than 6,000 projects at 129 research institutions in 64 municipalities across Canada.

A list of projects approved by the CFI to date is available here.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Yves Melanson

Coordinator, Media Relations

Canada Foundation for Innovation

Tel.: 613-996-3160

Cell.: 613-447-1723

yves.melanson@innovation.ca

“Once again, the Canada Foundation for Innovation is recognized for fostering an environment of excellence within its organization,” said William C. Leggett, Chair of the Board of Directors.

With a mandate to invest in cutting-edge research infrastructure that helps fuel innovation in universities, colleges, teaching hospitals and non-profit research institutions across Canada, the CFI is again being recognized as an exceptional place to work.

“This result is a testament to the CFI being an employer of choice,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. “The creative and devoted people at the CFI strive for the same excellence they expect in their funded institutions—excellence that is fundamental for success in today’s highly competitive global research environment.”

Becoming a Top Best Small and Medium Employer is a competitive process. Run by the Centre for Business Venturing at the Queen’s School of Business, in partnership with Hewitt Associates, the program recognizes top employers with between 50 and 400 employees. This study mirrors the renowned Best Employer in Canada initiative.

The rankings are primarily determined using the results from Employee Opinion Surveys with 18 key engagement drivers detailed and analyzed. The evaluation process also includes the assessment of organization practices and perspectives from the leadership team. This year, more than 250 companies across Canada registered to participate in the study. 

Find more information about the Best Small and Medium Employers in Canada online at http://business.queensu.ca/qcbv/sme.

About the CFI

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has committed almost $4.5 billion in support of more than 6,000 projects at 129 research institutions in 64 municipalities across Canada.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Yves Melanson
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Tel.: 613-996-3160
Cell.: 613-447-1723
yves.melanson@innovation.ca
www.innovation.ca

Sandra Olszowka
Director, Projects
Queen’s Centre for Business Venturing
Queen’s School of Business
Phone:  613.533.3119 
solszowka@business.queensu.ca

OTTAWA, December 12, 2008 — Canada is strengthening its knowledge base by attracting and retaining the workers that drive innovation and growth. Today, 312 researchers will be able to conduct cutting-edge research thanks to a $45-million investment announced by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) under its Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF). This funding program was designed to provide infrastructure to attract researchers to Canadian institutions at a time of intense international competition for knowledge workers.

LOF investment at a glance:   Total: $45.45 million Institutions: 44 Municipalities: 36 Projects: 251 Researchers supported: 312

The investment in state-of-the-art labs and equipment at 44 universities across the country will jump start 251 projects in key areas of research, ranging from the environment, natural resources and energy, to health, and information and communications technologies.

“The Government of Canada understands that advances in science and technology are essential to strengthen the competitiveness of Canada’s economy,” said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the CFI. “Today’s announcement builds on our government’s commitment to supporting Canadian researchers and innovators in developing new ideas by investing in infrastructure to conduct world-class research.”

“Our government is delivering on its commitment to secure our future prosperity,” said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology. “These projects will create jobs, improve the quality of life for Canadian families and strengthen the economy for future generations.”

“Investing in cutting-edge labs, equipment, and technology has transformed Canada’s research landscape over the past decade,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. “The CFI keeps pace with this transformation to ensure Canadian research institutions and their researchers remain world class.”

The CFI’s Board of Directors approved a total investment of $45,454,854 following a rigorous merit review process. Of this:  

• $38,234,190 was awarded under the Leaders Opportunity Fund;
• the remaining $7,220,664 million was awarded under the Infrastructure Operating Fund, an accompanying program designed to contribute to the incremental operating and maintenance costs of infrastructure projects funded by the CFI. 

The CFI’s Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF) is a program designed to reflect Canada’s fast-evolving research environment by giving Canadian universities the flexibility they need to both attract and retain the world’s finest researchers at a time of intense international competition for leading faculty. Examples for this LOF announcement include:

• developing new technologies to produce clean fuels;
• improving information and communications technologies;
• identifying new initiatives for the responsible development of natural resources;
• improving treatment for addiction and obesity.

For a list of CFI infrastructure contributions, click here.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI's mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has committed $4.4 billion in support of 5,800 projects at 129 research institutions in 64 municipalities across Canada.

For more information:

Yves Melanson

Coordinator, Media Relations

Canada Foundation for Innovation

Tel.: 613-996-3160

Cell.: 613-447-1723

yves.melanson@innovation.ca

Leaders Opportunity Fund / Fonds des leaders

REGIONAL BACKGROUNDERS / FICHE D’INFORMATION PAR RÉGION

Alberta
British Columbia / Colombie-Britannique
Manitoba
New Brunswick / Nouveau Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador / Terre-Neuve et Labrador
Nova Scotia / Nouvelle-Écosse
Ontario
Quebec / Québec
Saskatchewan

Canada Foundation for Innovation/
Fondation canadienne pour l’innovation

Leaders Opportunity Fund / Fonds des leaders

Acadia University

Brock University

Carleton University

Concordia University

Dalhousie University

École Polytechnique de Montréal

Lakehead University

Laurentian University / Université Laurentienne

McGill University

McMaster University

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Mount Allison University

Mount Saint Vincent University

Nova Scotia Agricultural College

Queen's University

Saint Mary’s University

Simon Fraser University

Trent University

Université Laval

Université de Moncton

Université de Montréal

Université de Sherbrooke

Université du Québec – Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Université du Québec – École de technologie supérieure

Université du Québec à Montréal

Université du Québec à Rimouski

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

University of Alberta

University of British Columbia (The)

University of Calgary

University of Guelph

University of Lethbridge

University of Manitoba

University of New Brunswick

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

University of Ottawa / Université d’Ottawa

University of Regina

University of Saskatchewan

University of Toronto

University of Victoria

University of Waterloo

University of Western Ontario (The)

University of Windsor

Wilfrid Laurier University

- Download list of CFI infrastructure contributions.

For a complete list of the results of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research Team Grant: Clinical Research Initiatives (Regional/National Clinical Research Initiatives) competition, please visit - http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/25845.html.

The 2008 Annual Meeting of the CFI was held on Thursday, October 30, 2008.

Special Guest: Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, CEO, MaRS Discover District, Toronto ON

- Download presentation by Dr. Ilse Treurnicht - (PDF Format, 6.8MB)

Dubé’s article “Microglia launch a counter-attack,” highlights the work of Dr. Serge Rivest, a researcher at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université Laval in Québec. Dr. Rivest`s scientific breakthrough, which garnered widespread media attention, showed that microglia, the main immune cells protecting the central nervous system, could actually help defeat Alzheimer’s disease instead of contributing to it. The story was featured in the February 2007 edition of Québec Science.

“Science journalism poses a special challenge: You have to hook readers with the common sense of the story but still maintain a high degree of accuracy. It’s a difficult art to master but it’s so fulfilling! I’m very happy to have received this award, and it encourages me to continue telling my fellow citizens about the incredible wealth or research being done in Canada, “said Ms. Dubé.

“The CFI Science Writing Award recognizes the important role science writers play in communicating cutting-edge research to the public,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. “Without talented science writers like Catherine Dubé, the discoveries made in the lab would have little chance of reaching a greater audience.”

“Outstanding science reportage is crucial to engage the public on the scientific issues that impact them each and every day,”said Penny Park, a producer with the Discovery Channel and Chair of the judging panel. “Catherine Dubé managed to make a very complicated subject both accessible and entertaining.”

The members of the 2008 judging panel were:

Penny Park, Supervising Producer Discovery Specials, Daily Planet, (Panel Chair)

Paule des Rivières,  Director Publications, Université de Montréal

Josée Nadia Drouin, Directrice générale, Agence Science Presse

Ghislaine Tremblay, Director, Evaluation and Outcome Assessment, CFI

John Matlock, Director of External Relations and Outreach, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

Lee Greenberg, Journalist for the Ottawa Citizen and co-recipient of the 2007 CFI Science writing award;

Peter McMahon, Webproducer, Discovery Chanel and member of the Canadian Science Writers Association

Gilbert Legras, Senior Communications Advisor, Communications and Marketing Branch, Industry Canada.

For the past four years, the CFI has honoured the writer of an outstanding print story that contributes to an increased awareness and understanding of science in Canada. 

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.

For more information:

Yves Melanson
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
613-996-3160
613-447-1723 (mobile)

For a list of CFI infrastructure contributions, click here.

For a complete list of the 123 Canada RESEARCH Chair recipients announced in September 2008, visit http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/media-medias/lists-listes/sept2008recipients.pdf.