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Government of Ontario invests $75 million in The Research & Learning Tower

August 15, 2011

The Government of Ontario today announced that it is investing $75 million over two years towards The Research & Learning Tower at SickKids.

Deb Matthews, Ontario Minister of Health & Long-Term Care, and Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of Research and Innovation, were at SickKids this afternoon to make the exciting announcement.

“Research saves lives, and today’s discoveries are tomorrow’s medical miracles,” said Murray. “SickKids’ remarkable history shows us that by investing in research, we can improve health care outcomes for our children, our most precious resource, and their families.”

Ministers Matthews and Murray were joined at the announcement by Mary Jo Haddad, SickKids President and CEO, Robert Prichard, SickKids Trustee, Dr. Janet Rossant, Chief of Research, and Dr. Sue Tallett, Chief of Education. The overflow crowd of SickKids staff and families that gathered to watch the announcement cheered loudly when the $75 million figure was announced.

“This significant investment will support the collaboration and innovations that are so critical to new discoveries in children’s health research,” said Haddad. “The new Research & Learning Tower will solidify SickKids’ position as a global leader in advancing children’s health and ensure that children and families in Ontario benefit from the latest treatments available in children’s disease.”

Prior to the announcement, Ministers Matthews and Murray spent time in Marnie’s Lounge getting to know some SickKids patients and scientists.

“We always want to ensure Ontario’s kids are getting the best possible care. To accomplish this goal, we need to rely on the latest and greatest paediatric research and evidence,” said Matthews. “I know this new Research & Learning Tower will lead to important discoveries and innovations that will improve health care for years to come. This is great news for Ontario families.”

Towering 21 storeys above ground level at Bay and Elm streets, The Research & Learning Tower will be a hub where researchers and learners can congregate and share ideas to transform the current state of child health care.

SickKids Foundation welcomes this new partnership with the Government of Ontario as it continues to drive toward its goal of raising $200 million for the new Tower. The Tower’s financial model had contemplated government funding as a source of revenue and it is with great excitement that we witness this achievement today.

The Foundation’s campaign remains unchanged in light of this recent development. This announcement highlights the need for continued support for the Tower from both public and private partners and the Foundation looks forward to building on this momentum.

The new 750,000 square-foot facility will accommodate the most specialized research and learning needs. The different areas of research will be reflected in neighbourhoods of science that are connected through staircases and shared spaces to encourage cross-collaboration.

When completed in 2013, The Research & Learning Tower will be a beacon in Toronto’s Discovery District and a magnet for the best and brightest child health professionals around the world.

Be part of the SickKids Research & Learning Tower