Government of Canada Helps Create the Ivey Centre for Health Innovation and Leadership

LONDON, Ontario, March 23, 2009 - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced that the Government of Canada will help create the Ivey Centre for Health Innovation and Leadership. The internationally recognized Richard Ivey School of Business will bring together expertise from the business, health sciences and medical sectors to develop specialized talent and commercialize health innovations that will benefit Canada’s health care providers and patients. “Our government is committed to building a competitive advantage for Canada based on excellence in science and technology (S&T),” said Minister Clement. “S&T investment is crucial for attracting, retaining and developing highly skilled people, for creating jobs that will drive our economy and, most notably, for making important health discoveries that contribute to the well-being of all Canadians.” In May 2007, the Prime Minister released the Government of Canada’s new national S&T Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada’s Advantage, setting out a multi-year framework to improve Canada’s long-term competitiveness and the quality of life of Canadians. The S&T Strategy includes a commitment to attract and retain talent, support world-leading research and ensure that research discoveries are transformed into practical applications through commercialization. "There are few things as important to Canadians as health care. This Centre will produce tangible health care benefits for all Canadians. It will create knowledge and foster leaders and entrepreneurs who will drive substantive change,” said Carol Stephenson, Dean of the Richard Ivey School of Business, The University of Western Ontario. In Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has pledged over $5.1 billion in additional funding toward S&T initiatives. This measure will contribute to the creation of a stronger and more innovative economy and a more prosperous Canada. The Ivey Centre for Health Innovation and Leadership will be created, pending Treasury Board approval. For further information (media only), please contact: Pema Lhalungpa Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Tony Clement Minister of Industry 613-995-9001 Media Relations Industry Canada 613-943-2502