“This announcement reflects the Premier’s continuing commitment to higher education and the importance of academic research as a key contributor to the province’s future, while recognizing the strength of Ontario’s university research community,” said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna R. Marsden.

Premier McGuinty will lead the newly-created ministry, signalling the importance the government places on ensuring Ontario’s advancement in the marketplace of ideas. The announcement was part of a cabinet shuffle that took place today.

Stan Shapson, York University’s Vice-President Research & Innovation, said, "The Ontario government's investments into basic and applied research are an important contributor to the province’s knowledge base, culture and quality of life.

“Through these investments,” Shapson continued, “our researchers are able to contribute significantly to scientific scholarship, public policy, national and international dialogue across the full range of disciplines."

Shapson also applauded Minister Joseph Cordiano’s leadership in the area of research.

“I want to thank Minister Cordiano for his leadership on the research file over these past months and for championing the creation of the new Ontario Research Fund, which was announced in last month’s Budget,” said Shapson.

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city.  The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 180,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 faculties and 21 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries.  This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

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For further information, the media should contact:

Melissa Hughes, Media Relations, York University, 416-736-2100 x22097/mehughes@yorku.ca

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