SNOLAB receives federal funding boost

The federal government's Canada Foundation for Innovation is investing $22.6 million over the next five years in the SNOLAB facility, a world-class underground neutrino and dark matter physics laboratory located in a Sudbury mine.

“Canada is a world leader in innovation,” Minister of State for science and technology Gary Goodyear said in a press release.

“By investing in major research facilities, such as these, our government is helping Canada’s research community reach new heights, address national priorities and meet global challenges.”

Funding will help sustain scientific excellence at SNOLAB, which is expected to generate $93 million in economic activity for the Ontario economy over the next five years, the press release said.

"SNOLAB is delighted that the Canada Foundation for Innovation has awarded these funds for the continued operations at SNOLAB,” said SNOLAB director Nigel Smith.

“This clearly demonstrates the commitment by the Government of Canada to the development and maintenance of world leading research infrastructure, affording Canada the opportunity to spearhead fundamental science and develop economic impact through innovation and inspiration. Canada has historically been a global leader in deep underground science, and these funds will allow us to capitalise on, and broaden, this historical position."

“These facilities are all major drivers of economic and scientific productivity in Canada,” said Gilles G. Patry, president and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. “We are pleased to be playing a role in their continued success.”