March 02, 2005 Vancouver, British Columbia -- The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), today announced funding of $400,000 to the Down Syndrome Research Foundation for its new $2.8 million brain-research facility. "Advanced research into Down syndrome and other developmental delays is key to finding successful treatments and interventions," said Minister Owen. "With the research generated from the new brain scanning facility, people with Down syndrome and their families will be able to benefit from new educational techniques, better healthcare and a brighter future." The Down Syndrome Research Foundation (DSRF) will establish a non-intrusive real-time brain scanning facility, or a Magnetoencephalography (MEG). The new facility will allow researchers and clinicians to assess the functional difficulties or differences in brain activity of children and adults with a variety of conditions. "This equipment will allow precise, non-invasive imaging and assessment of adult and child brain activity," said Josephine Mills, DSRF Executive Director. "MEG is a truly cutting-edge tool which, by permitting a better understanding of brain function, will provide educators and clinicians with the invaluable information they need to evaluate Down syndrome and devise more effective therapeutic and educational strategies." The Down Syndrome Research Foundation is a non-profit community-based organization funded almost entirely by donations, grants and fund-raising events. Its mandate is to meet the health, social and education needs of people with Down syndrome through education, research and clinical services. The Foundation has been providing services to the community since 1995. With the revenue generated from the facility, the Foundation will no longer be burdened with the ongoing challenges of fund-raising to support its activities. 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 this project was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget. - 30 - For additional information, contact: Susan Schooley Manager, Communications Western Economic Diversification Canada Vancouver, BC Tel: (604) 666-1318 E-mail: susan.schooley@wd.gc.ca Renée Gillen Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) (613) 954-1110 Dean Mailey Board of Directors, Communication Down Syndrome Research Foundation Phone: (604) 444 3773 Website: www.dsrf.org 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
