The University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBC-O) will receive $350,000 in federal funding to acquire a state-of-the-art plasma mass spectrometer, equipment that will help expand campus chemistry research and analytical capabilities.
The funding was announced today by Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, 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 new equipment will help UBC-O students, faculty and industry access the essential equipment needed to research, develop and commercialize sophisticated new technologies," said MP Cannan. "The University is an important, respected centre of learning and research, which supports knowledge creation and innovation in the Okanagan region."
This investment will position UBC Okanagan as one of only four institutions in Canada with a spectrometer capable of researching inorganic material. This equipment will help promote British Columbia as a leader in education and technology development.
"Today's announcement is a testament to the incredible power of partnerships. This generous support from Western Economic Diversification Canada and our senior government partners, builds on the foundational support of Dr. Charles Fipke to create an ICPMS laboratory here at UBC Okanagan," says Dr. Bernard Bauer, Dean of UBC Okanagan's Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences. "The ICPMS lab represents a significant advancement in our capacity to conduct outstanding research -- not only for today's students and scientists, but for many future generations of Canadian researchers."
UBC Okanagan opened in September 2005 as a distinctive, small university campus. Situated in one of the most scenic regions in Canada, this campus offers students an intimate learning environment, opportunities for region-centered research and international perspectives.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with various provinces, industry associations and communities to encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Kathy Liu
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Tel: (604) 666-7542
Cell: (604) 671-0273
Bonnie Bates
Director of Alumni and University Relations
University of British Columbia Okanagan
Kelowna, British Columbia
Tel: (250) 807-9166
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at Western Economic Diversification Canada.
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