Premier Visits Lakehead University's Northern Ontario School of Medicine — Announces Health Care Funding

(Thunder Bay - April 26, 2006) The Ontario government is strengthening the health care and prosperity of northerners by investing in a new Cancer and Cardiac Research Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced at the Lakehead University campus of the Northern Ontario Medical School on April 26.

(l to r) Premier Dalton McGuinty, Lakehead University President Dr. Fred Gilbert, and NOSM Founding Dean Dr. Roger Strasser.

"All of us know family and friends receiving cancer or cardiac care, and we all know how important research is to bringing our loved ones back to full health," said Premier McGuinty. "This research will not only benefit northerners, but Ontarians and Canadians whose health care could depend on the answers this type of research will provide."

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation will provide $2,214,167 to make the former site of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Cancer Centre suitable for the new research facility.

The Cancer and Cardiac Research Centre is expected to house several different research initiatives that will be supported by educational institutions (such as Lakehead University), local medical professionals, and private-sector partners.

"The new centre will enable researchers to compile a wealth of oncological and cardiac-related knowledge that will contribute immensely to ongoing research efforts," said Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle. "We are pleased to bring such research excellence to the North."

"Creating jobs in new emerging technology and health care sectors throughout the North is a priority for our government," said Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro. "This project will create more than 25 jobs within the health care sector in the pursuit of life-saving modern medical treatment."

"By bringing first class health care research to northern Ontario, we are strengthening the health and prosperity of hard working northerners and their families," said Premier McGuinty.