Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday we saw the opening of the Ekati Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories with the promise of a new era of prosperity for Canada's north.
There was also a diamond connection to last week's biggest surprise. In the largest individual charitable donation in Canadian history, Vancouver scientist, investor and diamond prospector Stewart Blusson announced a donation of $50 million to support scientific research at the University of British Columbia.
This donation was made under the Canada Foundation for Innovation announced in this spring's federal budget, meaning the donation will ultimately translate into a $150 million investment into research infrastructure and equipment.
Thanks to Mr. Blusson's generous donation and the success of the Canada Foundation for Innovation initiative, the University of British Columbia will remain on the cutting edge of scientific research and will continue to provide valuable application which will benefit all Canadians.