April 15, 2009 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine researchers and students will benefit from upgrades to their Diagnostics Laboratory and Large Animal Clinic thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification (WD).
"Our Government is proud to make this significant investment in the College as it is essential for a competitive Saskatchewan and Canadian livestock industry," said Minister of State Yelich. "Investments such as these will lead to new diagnostic tests that will protect Canada's livestock industry and the health and safety of Canadians, their families, and communities."
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is completing a two-storey diagnostics addition and basement that will add approximately 3,000 square metres of new space to the veterinary college's existing diagnostic facilities. The Diagnostics Laboratory serves the livestock industry in Saskatchewan and frequently provides services for the other western provinces. One of the recent cases of avian influenza in Canada was diagnosed in this lab and new facilities will enhance its bio-security, diagnostic capabilities and efficiency. Routine diagnostic work also leads to research discoveries that ultimately result in new diagnostic tests. Once completed, the biosecure centre will be a major western Canadian hub for veterinary diagnostics services, animal health research and specialized training in diagnostic pathology, virology, bacteriology, immunology and a range of biomedical sciences.
Construction crews are completing a series of renovations in the large animal clinical area of the WCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The new infrastructure and associated equipment at the Large Animal Clinic will provide enhanced use of modern technologies and the development of techniques in the areas of diagnostic imaging, treatment protocol planning, and surgical intervention.
The WD funding of more than $2.7 million announced today will allow the WCVM to complete their Diagnostics Laboratory Expansion and Large Animal Clinic Renovation.
"The expansion of the College's diagnostics area and the renovation of our large animal clinical services will provide our staff and students with specialized, biosecure facilities where they'll have access to a full range of new technologies," says WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes. "This investment is critical to our overall plan for the College. Western Economic Diversification's support is helping us to build an environment where innovations in diagnostic and clinical techniques can be developed, tested and practically applied - all at one centre. Ultimately, many of these new practices will have a positive impact on the health, productivity and the economic value of livestock herds across Western Canada."
"This is an exciting boost for a college that brings a broad perspective about health to the university and to Western Canada. By having a vibrant veterinary college on campus, the U of S is more competitive in attracting and retaining talented researchers who will strengthen vital links between animal health, human health and ecosystem health," says University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon.
The WCVM was created in 1964. Its mission is to provide veterinary education in western Canada and to act as a centre of veterinary expertise and research. The College meets its responsibilities in three major areas; education, research, and service.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information, contact:
Lisa Hutniak
Minister's Office
Western Economic Diversification
Lisa.Hutniak@wd.gc.ca
Myrna MacDonald
Communications, Dean's Office
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone/fax: 306-225-4479
Cell: 306-291-9950
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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