McGuinty and Schwarzenegger team up to boost stem cell research

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Ontario and California will work together to develop new stem cell therapies to help conquer cancer thanks to a new $30-million joint research venture signed by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Schwarzenegger, visiting Ontario as part of his three-day trade mission to Canada, met with the Premier first at the legislature and then later in the day at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, where the two leaders together made the announcement.

As part of the deal, scientists from Ontario will work with colleagues in California to investigate new therapies for cancer based on stem cell research. The McGuinty government is investing $30 million to support the new Cancer Stem Cell Consortium, which will be headquartered at the MaRS centre.

Schwarzenegger, who is a leading advocate of stem cell research, believes it will lead to medical breakthroughs to treat and find "a cure for deadly and debilitating diseases."

Schwarzenegger added that scientists involved in the controversial field provide "rays of hope" for millions of people around the world who suffer from "terrible diseases."

"These initiatives unite some of the best scientists in the world and it shows what we can do when we work together to solve big problems," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I also want to offer my deepest gratitude to the scientists and doctors in California and Canada who are using our resources to find new therapies and cures."

"California and Ontario researchers pioneered the discovery of cancer stem cells," said Premier McGuinty. "Through continued collaboration, we're going to keep working, dreaming and building together to fight this terrible disease and renew hope for a lasting cure."

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research will oversee the collaboration efforts.