Skip to content

Investing in the Research Institute

Recently we announced that the Ontario Government is investing $6.48 million to support a leading-edge research project at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI).

Recently we announced that the Ontario Government is investing $6.48 million to support a leading-edge research project at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI).

The funding came from the Ontario Research Fund–Research Excellence program, a government program that helps cover the operating costs of advanced research. I’m very excited about this announcement—it’s a significant investment in innovative, world-class work—and it’s one of the largest investments ever awarded for research in Northwestern Ontario.

TBRRI’s focus is on cancer, one of the leading health concerns in Northwestern Ontario. The institute is investigating new molecular imaging-based diagnostic technologies for disease prevention, early detection and image-guided treatment. This research will help detect and diagnose disease at its earliest stages. ‘Made-in-Thunder Bay’ discoveries will literally save lives, not just in Northwestern Ontario, but around the world.

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute was incorporated at the end of 2007, they’re gaining national and international recognition. In addition, they’ve already secured more than $50 million in government and industry partner funding.

Their research is done in partnership with Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, which includes the development of leading-edge patient care, research and education.

TBRRI’s scientists and clinicians are also working with Cancer Care Ontario, Lakehead University, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Confederation College, and industry partner Philips Healthcare.

Every time there is another significant announcement related to TBRRI, it reinforces for me that we were right to provide the $15 million in seed money to the Molecular Medical Research Centres, which has evolved into Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute. I think we can look forward to more success stories.

Last week’s investments will further expand our city’s growing knowledge-based sector. And the continued success of this sector will help diversify our economy and provide good paying jobs in Northwestern Ontario.

Our government will continue to support the resource sector, but I believe that the growth of our knowledge-base economy will help us to leverage and innovate in that sector, so that Thunder Bay can compete and succeed in the years to come.




push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks