May 30, 2009
McMaster Nuclear Reactor to receive
$22 million for infrastructure
Hamilton, ON. May 30, 2009 –The McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR) will receive $22 million from the federal and provincial governments, to upgrade its infrastructure and provide the training and research facilities for the world’s leading nuclear scientists. The funding is part of the government’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program.
The announcement was made this morning at McMaster University by Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and Ted McMeekin, Minister of Government and Consumer Services.
As Canada’s only nuclear reactor outside of Chalk River capable of producing medical isotopes, the funding will be used to upgrade MNR’s physical infrastructure to expand Canada’s isotope research and production capacity, to enhance research activities and train personnel for the nuclear industry and health care sectors.
“McMaster is Canada’s nuclear university,” says McMaster president Peter George. “This funding announcement is another example of the federal government’s continued support for science and technology and the important role McMaster plays in the training of the next generation of scientists and engineers in the nuclear power and medicine industries. It will reinforce Canada’s position as a leader in nuclear technology.”
The funding will also provide for the renovation and upgrades to the Nuclear Research Building, to accommodate and support new laboratories, research space and education for new faculty members, researchers and graduate students.
“This investment in McMaster University will provide a significant short-term economic stimulus to the Hamilton area, and will make a difference in the lives of many people in the region,” said Minister Clement. “The Government of Canada is investing in innovation to create jobs, to help our economy recover quickly and to improve the quality of life for Canadians.”
"It is a privilege to announce this infrastructure investment which advances McMaster University’s world class technology while adding significant and much needed stimulus to our local economy," said the Honorable Ted McMeekin, MPP
Ancaster-Dundas- Flamborough-Westdale.
"This funding is an excellent investment for Hamilton—not only for our educational community, but for our local economy," said Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for the Hamilton Mountain. "This infrastructure funding will maintain McMaster's high standards of excellence and create much-needed jobs in our community."
“The Knowledge Infrastructure Program provides an opportunity for effective partnerships between the provincial and the federal government during these economic times,” says David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale. “Attracting and retaining workers who drive innovation and growth in the global knowledge economy strengthens Canada’s position as a world leader in science and technology to the benefit of all Canadians.”
The announcement comes as MNR celebrates its 50th year of operation. Over the last half century, the five-megawatt, open-pool reactor has established itself as a vital and necessary partner in research circles.
Today, the reactor tests the engine turbine blades of the world’s commercial aircraft, it analyzes core samples for the mining sector, and has been instrumental in ensuring Canada’s leadership in a number of research fields: physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, earth sciences, archeology and medicine.
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 23,000, and more than 140,000 alumni in 128 countries.
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For more information please contact:
Michelle Donovan
Public Relations Manager: Broadcast Media
McMaster University
905-525-9140 ext 22869
905-512-8548 (cell)