February 29, 2008 Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Immunology Research Facility at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Medicine will be expanded and enhanced with a $1.6 million contribution through the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement. The new facility will give students and researchers access to new technologies and increased commercialization opportunities.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, 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; Marilyn Brick, MLA for St. Norbert on behalf of Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Steve Ashton; and Deputy Mayor Brenda Leipsic.
"The Government of Canada is working to enhance Canada's international reputation for research excellence and to strengthen scientific expertise," said Minister Toews. "Today's announcement will enable researchers, innovators and businesses to improve Canada's productivity performance, create high-quality jobs and enhance Canadians' quality of life."
"Manitobans and all Canadians benefit from research and development carried out in our province," said Brick. "This funding to expand the Immunology Research Facility will ensure we continue to carry out the cutting edge work to drive medical advances."
"This new research facility will strengthen Winnipeg's capacity as a leader in medical research," said Deputy Mayor Brenda Leipsic on behalf of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz. "The investment in this centre will provide greater career opportunities for medical graduates to stay in Winnipeg and apply their skills and knowledge in a first-rate facility."
The Immunology Department has outgrown its current location at the Basic Medical Sciences Building. To be located on the 4th floor of the Apotex Centre, at the University' s Bannatyne Campus, the new facility will lead to the expansion of existing and new research programs, and to increased commercialization from these programs. This will enable the University's Immunology Department to attract, train and retain the highly qualified personnel required to support the growing immunology and infectious disease research cluster in Manitoba.
"This new funding will further advance the immunological research conducted at the University of Manitoba," said Dr. Emoke Szathmáry, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba. "It will build upon the University's excellent reputation in the area of immunology and infectious diseases, and enhance research and teaching opportunities for faculty and students."
The University of Manitoba's Department of Immunology was established in 1969 and is credited as the first Immunology Department in Canada. Currently the Department has 25 professors, of which six on-site professors are located at the Basic Medical Sciences building. There are 16 cross-appointed faculties from the departments of Internal Medicine, Medical Microbiology, Pathology, Pediatrics/Child Health and the National Microbiology Laboratory working with the Department of Immunology. The Department has evolved into one of the top Immunology Departments in Canada.
Funding for the Immunology Research Facility comes from Component IV of the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement. By creating strategic partnerships with various community stakeholders, this component increases the development, use and commercialization of new technologies. Projects under this component help to build the foundation for a knowledge-based economy that employs skilled workers and encourages innovative approaches.
The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement was signed in May 2004 and represents a five-year, $75-million commitment by the governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg to strengthen city neighbourhoods, promote economic development and enable Aboriginal citizens to fully enjoy Winnipeg's economic and social opportunities. Interested parties are encouraged to visit http://www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca/ for program details.
For more information, contact:
Lee Gregg
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(204) 983-0701
Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
City of Winnipeg
Media Enquiries
(204) 986-6000
Ilana Simon
Director of Communications & Marketing
Faculty of Medicine
University of Manitoba
(204) 789-3427
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
