Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Research Representatives

life sciences research sectors: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette TORONTO - Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne begins a week-long trade mission Sunday to the Middle East, with a focus on the life sciences and research sectors, according to Brandon Sun. The delegation of government officials as well as approximately 130 business, academic and research representatives is travelling to Israel and the West Bank. Wynne begins a week-long trade mission Sunday to the Middle East, with a focus on the life sciences and research sectors. Wynne told a pre-mission reception for the delegates earlier this month that Ontario and Israel share many of the same priorities, namely developing "strong, competitive business environments that support innovation and growth." "Ontario strengths in research, innovation and entrepreneurship help us compete globally — and this mission will help us establish Ontario as a top innovation and knowledge economy partner for Israel," Wynne said. "Together we will promote the exchange of information and knowledge, seek new opportunities for collaboration and sign new business agreements that will create economic growth and jobs in both regions." In Israel, the premier is set to meet with political, business and innovation leaders "to exchange knowledge and sign agreements," while in the West Bank she will focus on "innovation and education initiatives," her office said. Ontario and Israel already have a memorandum of understanding on research, which the premier office said has helped generate 15 industry-led R&D projects and leverage more than $16 million in outside funding. Two-way trade between Ontario and Israel last year was valued at more than $900 million, Wynne office said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.