Mr. Speaker, as our great nation heads into the next century, our economic prosperity and quality of life will be linked to our ability to innovate and generate new knowledge and to boldly face the challenges of our future.
I join the people of my riding of Cambridge in welcoming the finance minister's budget announcement providing funding support for innovation and research. The $800 million start-up investment in the Canadian Foundation for Innovation targets post-secondary institutions, research hospitals, the business community, the volunteer sector and individuals.
For the world class high technology industry in my riding of Cambridge the government's initial investment and its annual $180 million contribution will provide a tremendous boost.
This support will not only expand research but will keep Canada on the cutting edge of technology and lead to job opportunities for young Canadians.