November 03, 2004 VANCOUVER, B.C. -- The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), today announced funding of $1.26 million to the University of British Columbia for two initiatives that will strengthen B.C.’s capacity in the field of medical health technology. The tremendous medical research taking place at UBC promises significant advances that will improve the health of Canadians while generating tangible economic benefits,” said Minister Owen. “The Government of Canada is strongly committed to investing in learning, improving health care and strengthening Western Canada’s life sciences sector.” The University of B.C.’s Faculty of Medicine will receive $1 million to improve its medical education program by developing a new e-learning initiative for medical staff and students. This common virtual learning environment facilitates the placement of undergraduate medical students at university sites other than UBC, in the north of B.C. at University of Northern B.C. and on Vancouver Island at University of Victoria,” said Joanna Bates, Senior Undergraduate Associate Dean for the University of British Columbia. “We are excited by the opportunity for students at all sites to be enriched by the learning opportunities at any one site.” Over $260,000 will go toward the purchase of research equipment for the new rederivation facility, which is part of the University of B.C.’s Life Sciences Centre. This equipment will support leading-edge research in many key frontiers of life sciences including the study of human diseases and development of new treatment drugs. The project will establish the only rederivation facility in Western Canada. Research supported by the establishment of the Rederivation Facility at the University of British Columbia will have the potential for dramatic improvements in healthcare and agriculture,” said Dr. Wilfred Jefferies, Director of the Rederivation Facility. “Additionally, this facility will provide the fundamental building blocks for economic development and sustainability by offering the opportunity to facilitate research that impacts disease management, healthcare delivery, agriculture and economic growth.” The University of British Columbia is the third-largest university in Canada, and the largest graduate/post-graduate institution in Western Canada. The University of British Columbia is a research-intensive university and a global centre of research and learning with state-of-the-art facilities in its campuses at Point Grey and Robson Square. Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada through activities that advance Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Communities. Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the March 2004 budget. - 30 - For additional information, contact: Susan Schooley Manager, Communications Western Economic Diversification Canada Phone: (604) 666-1318 Web Site: www.wd.gc.ca Scott MaCray Director, Public Affairs University of B.C. Phone: (604) 822-2064 Web Site: www.ubc.ca Renée Gillen Press Secretary Office of the Minister, Western Economic Diversification Canada (613) 954-1110 WD Toll-Free Number 1-888-338-WEST (9378) World Wide Web Site: English: http://www.wd.gc.ca French: http://www.deo.gc.ca
