Ontario government boosts funding for health care research

A new research project in London, Ont., funded by the Ontario government is aiming to improve detection of neurological diseases such as brain cancer, stroke and Alzheimer's disease, according to Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson.

In a released statement Wilkinson said that the research project is one of two projects in London that is aiming to boost the local economy and support better health-care.

"Ontarians will benefit from better health-care services, new technologies, a cleaner environment and more opportunities for success," said Wilkinson.

He said that the Ontario government is investing more than $4 million to support researchers at Robarts Research Institute in order to develop new techniques to better diagnose and monitor treatments for neurological diseases.

The funding is part of approximately $115 million invested by the government to support 19 research projects across Ontario on behalf of the Ontario Research Fund. The research being conducted at universities, institutes and hospitals will receive matching funding from 107 major industry and other partners.

Wilkinson made the announcement from London earlier this week where he was joined by MPP for London West, Chris Bentley and MPP for London-Fanshawe, Khalil Ramal.

"UWO and Robarts Research Institute boast world-renowned facilities that attract researchers from around the world to London," said Ramal. "These projects will further enhance their international reputation, and ensure that the London region can attract and retain the top research talent and skilled workforce that Southwestern Ontario needs to prosper in the 21st century."

For more information about the Ontario Research Fund, please visit www.ontario.ca/innovation.

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