Winnipeg, Manitoba - Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory today. He congratulated the researchers and public health professionals on completing the full genome sequencing of the H1N1 flu virus samples from Canada and Mexico.
"The professionals at our National Microbiology Laboratory were quick to respond to the massive public health challenge of the H1N1 flu outbreak," said the Prime Minister. "Canadians sequenced the full genome of the virus samples from Canada and Mexico, making a significant contribution to the global understanding of H1N1. While Canadians must remain vigilant, we can all be proud of this heroic effort."
Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory is a Level Four facility and has over 400 employees. It is one of only a handful of laboratories in the world capable of studying highly pathogenic viruses.
The Prime Minister toured the high-security Level 3 and Level 4 labs, the Respiratory Virus Lab and the sequencing facilities. He met with many of the research personnel on the front line of the fight against emerging diseases.
"The success of this lab is a testament to Canada's commitment to world-class research and to our unyielding commitment to protect public health," said Prime Minister Stephen Harper. "As Prime Minister and as a parent, it gives me great peace of mind to know that so many dedicated and talented people are working to keep Canadians safe.
