Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to congratulate two winners of the 2002 Synergy Awards for Innovation announced by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Dr. Vincent Tao and Dr. Allan Tarswell were recognized for their important work on three dimensional imaging of laser radar. This tool measures atmospheric pollution and has the potential to revolutionize all forms of urban mapping.
In a partnership between York University and Optech Incorporated, these outstanding scientists showed that collaboration is an important investment in research and development.
Successful partnerships between universities and industry are good for students and good for Canada.
York University in my riding is one of Canada's leader research institutes.
This award demonstrates the importance of innovation in the knowledge-based economy.
I ask members to please join me in congratulating this winning Synergy partnership which draws together those who produce new knowledge and those who know how to apply it.