February 20, 2008
Brandon, Manitoba
Western Economic Diversification Canada is contributing $338,500 towards the establishment of an Analytical Scanning Electron Microscope Facility at Brandon University. The facility will give students and researchers access to new technologies and increased commercialization opportunities.
Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of basic and applied research in science and technology," said MP Tweed. "This funding will enable researchers, innovators and businesses to improve Manitoba's productivity performance, create high-quality jobs and build stronger communities."
The new facility will be located in the J.R. Brodie Science Centre and includes an analytical scanning electron microscope, related user training and support equipment used to educate and train undergraduate students and industry participants.
"The acquisition of this scanning electron microscope will be a fantastic research and teaching tool for our geology and environment programs," said Dr. Louis Visentin, President and Vice-Chancellor, Brandon University. "As well it will be a welcome and powerful tool for mining and petroleum exploration in western Manitoba. As such our regional and provincial industry collaborators will be well served, as it is the only such instrument in Manitoba. Work normally done outside the province will be done right here in Brandon. It will be a valuable and progressive public-private partnership."
"This new research and teaching instrument will serve as a focal point within the Faculty of Science for the development of links between industry and the University," said Dr. Austin Gulliver, Dean of Science. "It will allow us to train a generation of students in the skills needed in today's technological society."
The facility will anchor Brandon University's proposal to establish an Interdisciplinary Master of Science, which will help to attract and retain high quality staff and students. Brandon University professors in several science disciplines will use this facility for basic and applied research.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.For additional information, contact: Lee GreggA/Senior Communications OfficerWestern Economic Diversification CanadaWinnipeg, Manitoba(204) 983-0701
Kelly StiforaCommunications OfficerBrandon University270 18th StreetBrandon, MB R7B 0N7Phone: (204) 727-9762Email: communications@brandonu.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
