November 8, 2005
Winnipeg, Manitoba -- Canadians will benefit from greater health research as a result of a $5 million funding contribution from the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement and the federal-provincial Agricultural Policy Framework for the expansion of the Winnipeg-based National Centre for Agrifood Research in Medicine (NCARM).
The funding was announced today by Raymond Simard, Member of Parliament for St. Boniface, on behalf of Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, Scott Smith, Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade, Andy Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Franco Magnifico, City Councillor for St. Boniface Ward, on behalf of his Worship, Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg and Rosann Wowchuck, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives.
“This project invests in the future health of all Canadians,” said Mr. Simard. “By contributing to the growth of Winnipeg’s innovation, research, and technology capacity, this initiative will further secure Manitoba’s position as a leader in life sciences, biotechnology and agri-food research”.
“By helping to build the infrastructure that will promote growth in knowledge-based sectors, the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement is demonstrating its commitment to improving Winnipeg’s capacity for innovation,” said Minister Smith. “These technological innovations directly impact on the competitiveness of Winnipeg’s businesses and the productivity of its citizens.”
“For over a century, St. Boniface has been a key player in agri-food industries like meat packing and food processing,” said Councillor Magnifico. “This investment continues that history, ensuring that St. Boniface won’t just continue to be a great place to live – it will also lead Canada in the creation of the most modern agri-food jobs, products and technologies.”
The $5 million in funding is cost-shared. NCARM is receiving $3.75 million through the tri-partite Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA) and an additional $1.25 million through the federal-provincial Agricultural Policy Framework.
“The work of NCARM researchers is important to Manitoba’s Agricultural producers,” said Wowchuk. “Not only will the health of all Canadians be improved, Manitoba’s producers will benefit from value-added agriculture production and more diverse markets and uses for Manitoba grown crops. We will farm it in Manitoba and finish it in Manitoba.”
NCARM, located at both the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre and the Asper Clinical Research Institute, will focus much of its research on crops grown in Western Canada and will work with other industry leaders in Manitoba to attain its goals. Research will identify and test foods for natural health products or nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are foods or parts of foods that provide medical or health benefits to Canadians. One example is flaxseed, the richest source of an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid called alpha-linolenic. This acid has been shown to provide benefits for several cardiovascular immune/inflammatory and neurological disorders.
“It has always been our tradition at St. Boniface General Hospital to work with others to make things happen that will benefit people in our community,” said Dr. Tétreault, President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Boniface Hospital. “The support of the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement, and the funds received from the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation and our partnership in this project with the University of Manitoba will be beneficial for NCARM, and more importantly, demonstrates the advantages of working together for the health of the people of our community.”
Funding for the project comes from Component IV of the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement. This component is designed to strengthen Winnipeg’s innovation system by supporting projects that increase the awareness, capacity and use of new technologies. It will also build necessary infrastructure to promote growth in knowledge-based sectors such as aerospace, life sciences and alternative energy.
The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement was signed in May 2004. Community consultations are ongoing to develop the component programs. Interested parties are encouraged to consult the Web site, located at www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca, for program details.
Federal funding for this project is included in the fiscal framework. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is the federal department responsible for administering this agreement.
For additional information, contact:
Mark Gale
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (204) 983-6243
E-mail: mark.gale@wd.gc.ca
Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
Brad Salyn
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
City of Winnipeg
(204) 986-4003
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
