Winnipeg, Manitoba – An expansion of the
University of Manitoba’s Nano-Fabrication Laboratory will
give students and researchers access to new technologies and increased
commercialization opportunities. The Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership
Agreement (EPA) is contributing $1.24 million towards the project.
Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf
of Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western
Economic Diversification, and Kerri Irvin-Ross, Member of the Legislative
Assembly for Fort Garry, on behalf of Greg Selinger, Manitoba Minister
of Finance, made the announcement today.
“The Canadian economy depends on our ability to move new
ideas and technologies out of the lab and into the marketplace,”
said Bruinooge. “Canada’s new government is pleased
to invest in the University of Manitoba’s growing nano-technology
capacity.”
“Manitoba is an established leader in manufacturing, telecommunications,
aerospace and life sciences, sectors that can benefit enormously
from nano-fabrication,” said Irvin-Ross. “It is crucial
that we invest in nano-technology to remain competitive.”
Nano-fabrication refers to the construction of devices and components
using molecular level, atom by atom manufacturing techniques. Nano-technology
is changing manufacturing processes and has an enormous potential
for a wide array of commercial applications, such as microscopic
medical devices, cell phone batteries or computer chips that could
fit through the eye of a needle.
“The University of Manitoba is a leader in technology transfer
and commercialization in Canada,” said Dr. Digvir Jayas, Associate
Vice-President of Research, University of Manitoba. “This
funding will support nano-technology research at the University,
an area at the global forefront of science and engineering.”
EPA funding will be used to purchase new equipment and improve
laboratory infrastructure. The expansion will enable the laboratory
to increase the number of researchers using the facility, as well
as the number of projects undertaken every year.
The Nano-Systems Fabrication Laboratory (NSFL) at the University
of Manitoba was established in 2002 to support the nano-technology
efforts of Canadian researchers and industry. Since its inception
more than 30 research projects have been completed, including successful
collaborations with industry partners.
Under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA),
the governments of Canada and Manitoba are working together and
in partnership with community stakeholders on two strategic priorities
– building our economy and sustainable communities. These
priorities strengthen the skills of Manitoba workers and promote
economic growth and diversification in the province. For more information
on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit: http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca
.
For additional information, contact:
Terri Hooper
Communications Coordinator,
Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement
(204) 945-7805
Fiona MacLeod
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Revenue and Minister of
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Tel: (613) 995-2960
Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator,
Communication Services Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
www.gov.mb.ca
Shasta Chartrand
Communications Officer,
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tel: (204) 983-0789
