Mr. Speaker, today marks the 10th anniversary of the inception of the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Over the last 10 years, CFI has invested $3.7 billion into 5,000 projects at 129 universities, colleges, and research institutions across Canada, providing the state of the art infrastructure and equipment needed to conduct leading edge research and provide world-class training.
CFI is an essential pillar of Canada's science, research and development infrastructure. Investments by the CFI have enabled Canadian researchers to make their mark through discoveries that have improved the quality of the lives of thousands of Canadians, while also contributing to the economic development of our country.
Budget 2007 provides an additional $510 million to CFI which demonstrates our government's commitment to cutting edge research and innovation, and support for Canada's world-class research community.
I ask all parliamentarians to join me in wishing everyone at the CFI continued success in their efforts to nurture Canada's reputation as a nation of innovation.