The Government of Canada is supporting the University of Lethbridge's water research program through an investment that will facilitate the purchase of leading-edge equipment for the Alberta Water and Environmental Sciences Building (AWESB).
Federal funding of $3 million was announced today by Rick Casson, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, 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 supporting the research and development of new technologies that address water challenges and create new economic opportunities for our communities," said MP Casson. "Today's investment will help the University of Lethbridge establish a world-class research facility and position the Lethbridge region as a leader in water technologies and applications."
This investment will advance the University of Lethbridge's commitment to expand its water research program. The funding, provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada, will enable the new state-of-the-art facility to increase the University's applied research capacity in areas such as watersheds, water ecology, water quality and public health, environmental monitoring, hydrologic forecasting and water resource management.
The facility will support Canadian businesses, local and international researchers to access high quality water research programs and discover new technologies to improve water safety, quality and supply. The 6,700 square metre building will accommodate the environmental technologies research group, external research agencies and partners from industry.
"This significant contribution from Western Economic Diversification Canada has really jump-started our Water and Environmental Science research program," said Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick, Vice-President for Research at the University of Lethbridge. "Most university projects occur in two phases - build the facility then equip it. The Government of Canada's strategic investment in equipment will enable University of Lethbridge researchers to move into a fully functional, state-of-the-art building and start work immediately, and on projects of high relevance to our region, the province, and Canada."
Upon completion, the building will be home to 25 faculty members, over 100 new graduate students and more than 150 supporting technicians and associates from the Department of Biological Science and Geography. Construction of the building began in August 2007 and will be completed by spring 2008.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with western 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:
Donna Kinley
Manager, Communication, Consultation and Marketing
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Bob Cooney
Communications Officer
University of Lethbridge
Telephone: (403) 382-7173
Cell: (403) 330-4609
