Federal government invests in future innovators

Minister Joe Oliver, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced Friday the Canadian government's investment in Carleton University to create internship opportunities and fellowships for graduates and graduate students in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. This investment will also benefit businesses across southern Ontario.

“Our government is committed to achieving continued growth in the science, technology, engineering and math sectors to help grow our economy,” Oliver said. “This investment will help graduates gain the real world experience and business skills they need to become the modern entrepreneurs and industry leaders that take ideas from the drawing board to the marketplace.”

Carleton University is receiving up to $1,430,000 through FedDev Ontario’s Graduate Enterprise Internship initiative, which will be used to place 100 recent graduates and graduate students in small- and medium-sized enterprises and start-up businesses within STEM sectors.

Another contribution of up to $945,000 through FedDev Ontario’s Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative will allow Carleton to partner with the University of Windsor and award commercialization fellowships to STEM graduates and graduate students across southern Ontario. Of the 30 commercialization fellowships to be granted, up to five will go to graduates and graduate students at the University of Windsor.

“We are very grateful to FedDev Ontario for this important investment in education and economic development,” said Carleton University president Roseann O’Reilly Runte. “This funding will contribute to southern Ontario’s economic growth through the support of local enterprises and provide global opportunities for both local business and our students.”

UWindsor president Alan Wildeman also expressed gratitude for the investment.

“We’re pleased to join in this partnership with Carleton and FedDev Ontario to support the prosperity of our economy through our talented students and graduates,” he said.

Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region’s strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The agency has launched a number of initiatives designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region’s businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified.