The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan announced today their investments to help the Canadian Light Source (CLS) with its operating platform.
Through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA), Western Economic Diversification Canada is investing $4 million over the next four years, bringing its total commitment since budget 2008 to $5 million. This plus a $44 million contribution from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), announced in the fall of 2009, brings the total Government of Canada investment to CLS to almost $49 million.
“Excellence in science and technology helps to grow our economy, and today’s announcement will promote the innovation that creates skilled jobs across Canada,” said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
The Province of Saskatchewan is investing $11.7 million in operating funding over the next four years through the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is making an ongoing commitment to the CLS, starting with a $1 million contribution in 2010-11,” Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. “This is a key investment in our knowledge economy and will help ensure the long-term success of the CLS and Saskatchewan’s innovation agenda.”
These investments will assist CLS with operating costs and help attract both pure science and industrial users to the facility, which is an important science asset, both nationally and internationally.
“Thanks to the continued support of the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, Canada’s synchrotron will continue to flourish and cement its reputation as a global player in synchrotron science,” said CLS Executive Director Josef Hormes.
The CLS is Canada’s national centre for synchrotron research. Located on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon, the CLS is a powerful tool for academic and industrial research in a wide variety of areas including: environmental sciences, natural resources and energy, health and life sciences, and information and communications technology.
The investment by the Government of Canada is made through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA). Both Canada and Saskatchewan are contributing $25 million each, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in western Canadian communities.
For additional information, contact:
Lisa Hutniak
Minister’s Office
Western Economic Diversification
Lisa.Hutniak@wd-deo.gc.ca
Marieka Barrie
Communications Consultant
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Tel: (306) 787-3170
Matthew Dalzell
Communications Coordinator
Canadian Light Source
Tel: (306) 657-3797 Cell: (306) 227-0978
www.lightsource.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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