Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to mention two important initiatives taken by the government in my riding of York West.
Just recently York University received a $14,000 grant under the northern scientific training program. Since its inception in 1961 this training program has played a key role in supporting the development of scientific expertise in northern research and in promoting the vital and growing role of Canadian universities in this field. Without this support, many of these initiatives would be very difficult to promote.
The second initiative is part of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, which is an $11.8 million investment aimed at strengthening the research capacity of 28 Canadian universities. Under the new opportunities fund, York University will be able to finance a new scientific research facility.
York University and its students are an integral part of my riding. I am very glad to see that the government recognizes the vital importance of funding such research initiatives.