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Schwarzenegger Signs Deal With Ontario on Stem Cell Research and Climate

Posted on: Wednesday, 30 May 2007, 15:00 CDT

TORONTO (CP) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger got down to the business portion of his three-day trade mission to Canada on Wednesday, signing deals with "soulmate" Ontario on stem cell research and climate change.

The Republican politician and former movie star arrived at the Ontario legislature in a presidential-style motorcade after security had been very visibly beefed up around the historic building.

Schwarzenegger and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty signed an agreement to co-ordinate policies to reduce greenhouse gases from cars and trucks.

"Like California, Ontario is leading the way in recognizing that we must take action now to fight global warming and to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels," Schwarzenegger said.

"We're soulmates on this issue."

The two also inked a deal to support stem cell research aimed at finding new therapies for cancer and Alzheimer's disease after touring a research facility in downtown Toronto.

Schwarzenegger said scientists doing the controversial stem cell research provide "rays of hope" for millions of people around the world who suffer from "terrible diseases."

"Every one of us knows somebody that has one of those terrible diseases," Schwarzenegger said, adding his father-in-law Sargent Shriver suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

"Sargent Shriver is one of the most brilliant minds in the world . . . Today, he does not even recognize his wife. This is why I feel very passionately about supporting (stem cell research)."

Canada and California are "as powerful as anyone could ever be on stem cell research," Schwarzenegger added.

The collaboration between Ontario and California brings hope to the "two out of five North Americans who will develop cancer during their lifetime," McGuinty said.

"Together we can ease suffering, relieve anxiety, save lives and restore hope," he said. "That surely is a noble ideal worthy of the best efforts of our best minds."

The governor's day also includes a speech to the Economic Club of Toronto and a meeting in Ottawa tonight with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The man nicknamed the 'Governator' because of his starring role in the 'Terminator' movies arrived in Toronto on Tuesday night and will fly to Vancouver on Thursday.

Source: Canadian Press

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