Government of Canada Celebrates New Canada Research Chair at the University of Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Jan. 13, 2011) - The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, today celebrated the awarding of a new Canada Research Chair at the University of Winnipeg. The Government of Canada's investment in the Canada Research Chairs program is enabling Canada to strengthen its position as a world leader in university research and development. As part of the 10th anniversary of the Canada Research Chairs program, which was celebrated on November 24, 2010, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, announced an investment of $275.6 million to fund 310 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs at 53 Canadian universities.

"The Government of Canada's investment in research has made our economy stronger and created new jobs," said Minister Toews. "Through the Canada Research Chairs program, our government is committed to developing and attracting top research talent from Canada and around the world, helping to bring new ideas to the marketplace and improving the quality of life of Canadians."

"This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Canada Research Chairs program," said Chad Gaffield, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and head of the Canada Research Chairs Program Steering Committee. "Over the past 10 years, the program has been integral to funding research excellence in Canada, attracting renowned international experts to Canadian universities and retaining the world's best researchers. The program has helped build world-class research centres across the country, propelled Canadian research into a leadership position on the world stage, and enhanced the education and training of thousands of Canadian and foreign students."

The investment in the Canada Research Chairs program includes $13.4 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to help newly awarded Chairs with research infrastructure. 

"An innovative society depends on innovative people," said Gilles G. Patry, President and CEO of the CFI. "The partnership between the CFI and the Canada Research Chairs program helps ensure that Canada preserves its most critical resource in the knowledge economy: intellectual capital. The advancements and discoveries made by these researchers will have a real and lasting impact on the lives of all Canadians."

"The appointment of Dr. Peters allows us to strengthen our position as a world leader in research and development, particularly in the critically important and relevant areas of community learning and inner-city issues," said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Winnipeg. "Dr. Peters' new Centre for Inner-City Research, Community Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) will be housed in our state-of-the-art Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex, which will open in the coming months. This is an incredible new resource for our community, made possible because of the federal government's ongoing support. We are also honoured that Dr. Mavis Reimer's appointment as Canada Research Chair in the Culture of Childhood has been renewed." 

Dr. Evelyn Peters, the new chairholder celebrated today, will conduct research with marginalized groups in Winnipeg's inner city, evaluating policies and programs in terms of how they perceive the needs and priorities of these groups. Her research will emphasize working with communities to facilitate mutual learning and engagement between communities and academic researchers. The results of Dr. Peters' research could potentially benefit all sectors of Canadian society.

A full list of chairholders is available on the Canada Research Chairs website (http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/chairholders-titulaires/index-eng.aspx).