March 20, 2008
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
The Government of Canada announced funding today for research at Genome Prairie that will help strengthen Western Canada's ability to develop and commercialize innovations in the field of genomics.
A federal investment of $800,000, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, will contribute to a series of 12 multi-stakeholder networks for the application of genomics to key economic sectors in Western Canada. The funding will be provided over four years, and builds upon project funding of $800,000 for Genome BC announced on March 7.
Genomics is an integral component of the West's burgeoning life sciences cluster, one of four areas of focus for the Government of Canada's Science and Technology Strategy. The last two Federal Budgets have announced a total of $240 million in funding for Genome Canada, the primary funding resource for Canada's six genomics and proteomics networks.
The funding was announced today by MP Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon Humboldt 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.
"For the first time, genome organizations across the West will have a platform to collaborate with western companies on market-driven research and the commercialization of new technologies," said MP Trost. "Genomics is contributing to a more innovative and diversified economy in Saskatchewan and across the West."
"The Government of Canada is proud to provide support to western Canadian companies and research organizations that will enable them to engage in the emerging genomic industry," said the Honourable Vic Toews, President of theTreasury Board. "These pan-western networks will support the development and commercialization of genomic innovations, which will have a substantial and positive impact in Manitoba and across the West."
Genome Prairie will receive $800,000 for the development and implementation of four pan-western genomics networks. The four networks are expected to focus on applications in agriculture and in health. The funding will also enable Genome Prairie to participate in the networks to be led by Genome British Columbia and Genome Alberta.
The networks, developed and implemented over four years, will involve stakeholders from across Western Canada, including industry, provincial governments, universities, and federal laboratories and agencies. Each network will provide a foundation that will enable western Canadian companies and research organizations to engage in the emerging genomic industry.
The networks will increase collaboration, reduce duplication and are expected to be more successful at leveraging investments from other partners.
"Genome Prairie is pleased to be involved in the establishment of these collaborative pan-western networks to strengthen our provinces' life sciences sectors. These partnerships will assist us in bringing genomics research from concept to commercialization for the benefit of all Canadians. We are especially proud to be leading the Brassica and flax networks, as genomics research plays a critical role in the future of our nation's agricultural economy," said Jerome Konecsni, President and CEO, Genome Prairie.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to strengthen economic diversification and development in communities across Western Canada.
For additional information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: (306) 975-5942
Toll-Free Number: 1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Carol Reynolds
Director of Communications and Government Relations
Genome Prairie
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: (306) 668-3574
Cell: (306) 241-9033
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
