Home-grown Innovation Will Lead to Improved Health in Northern Ontario Communities
Government of Canada invests $1 million to develop remote sensing technologies to help monitor environmental impacts on human health
THUNDER BAY, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) – Northern Ontario families will benefit from improved detection of disease-causing bacteria in local lakes and waterways as a result of a Government of Canada investment of $1 million. The FedNor funding will enable the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and its industry partner, Discover Air Fire Services, to develop innovative camera technology to quickly and accurately identify toxic blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria), one of Northern Ontario’s major environmental issues impacting human health.
“This investment will help NOSM and Discovery Air Fire Services to develop and commercialize a new technology for the emerging waterway remote sensing market, creating quality jobs and growing the local economy in the process. Our Government is pleased to support a partnership project that makes use of local talent and ingenuity to help tackle a pressing environmental issue.” The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North
“Today’s announcement demonstrates confidence in our organization and the work we do. Our strong partnership with Discovery Air Fire Services will ensure that the remote sensing technology is adequately tested, refined and subsequently commercialized. We welcome and appreciate FedNor’s continued support—support that allows us to collaborate with our partners as we work together towards the Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s vision of Innovative education and research for a healthier North.” Dr. Roger Strasser, Dean and CEO, Northern Ontario School of Medicine
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.
“Innovation is the driving force behind a modern economy and the Government of Canada is proud to encourage Canadian researchers and entrepreneurs capitalize on opportunities that lead to business growth and the creation of well-paying middle-class jobs. Projects such as this will help unleash the potential of new technologies for the benefit of Northern Ontario residents, communities and companies alike.” The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
QUICK FACTS
- The three-year “Remote Sensing: Waterway Algae Identification” project will help test the use of specially developed sensors merged with existing camera technology mounted on aircraft to produce real-time results on algae contamination in water-bodies via waterway flyovers.
- Founded in 2005, NOSM committed to the education of high quality physicians and health professionals, and to international recognition as a leader in distributed, learning-centered, community-engaged education and research. The research initiatives developed in partnership with NOSM are internationally recognized and supported by competitive, peer-reviewed funding awarded on the basis of scientific excellence.
- The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
RELATED LINKS
- To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca
- Follow us on Twitter: @FedNor.
- Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development on Twitter: @ISED_CA.
