November 10, 2010
Edmonton, Alberta
Improved technologies for implantable hearing devices and an innovative neurosurgical tool from the Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM) at the Misericordia Community Hospital could soon benefit the health and wellness of Canadians.
A combined federal-provincial investment of $800,000 under the Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) is supporting prototype development of both technology to improve the performance of bone conduction hearing aids and an enhanced tool to reduce intracranial pressure due to a condition known as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.
"This innovative project is a great example of our Government's commitment to strengthening our economy while improving lives across Canada and around the world.
" said the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
"Research on innovations in medical devices and prototyping done here in Alberta are coming together with our biomedical expertise to help people in need,
" said the Honourable Doug Horner, Deputy Premier and Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. "Our Alberta Innovates system opens opportunities like this for collaboration across scientific disciplines with public and industry researchers.
"
The Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM) will lead prototype development activities on two medical devices to the pre-commercialization stage, where agreements can be reached with private sector partners. Both prototypes under development are an improvement over existing medical devices and represent significant market opportunities.
"iRSM is focused on developing new biomedical solutions that will transform the lives of the patients that we treat,
" said Myka Osinchuk, Executive Director of iRSM. "The funding support will allow us to bring together Alberta's world-leading clinicians, scientists and engineers to accelerate the development of innovative technologies.
"
The investments by the Governments of Canada and Alberta are made through the Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement. Through this agreement, Canada and Alberta are jointly contributing $50 million, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in Alberta communities.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Earl McKenzie
Public Affairs Officer
Advanced Education and Technology
(780) 415-0891
earl.mckenzie@gov.ab.ca
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000
Myka Osinchuk
Executive Director
Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine
Tel: (780) 735-2660
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
The Canada – Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA)
The Canada-Alberta WEPA targets joint strategic priorities whereby Canada and Alberta will work together and with other interested stakeholders to help create innovative, entrepreneurial and sustainable communities.
Canada-Alberta Joint WEPA Priorities:
- Technology Commercialization - Create and/or grow the knowledge-based economy in Alberta by commercializing new products, technologies and services into domestic and international markets.
- Business Productivity and Competitiveness - Strengthen small business development, growth and competitiveness in the global economy.
- Trade and Investment - Expand access to international markets and investments.
- Value-Added Processing - Increase revenues of traditional industries by adopting new technologies and processes that transform low value outputs into high value products.
Project Funding Partners
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
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.
Alberta Advanced Education and Technology
In collaboration with Campus Alberta and Alberta Innovates partners, Advanced Education and Technology strives to build a prosperous province through a dynamic and integrated learning and innovation system built on a foundation of highly skilled people in support of a knowledge-based economy and society in Alberta.
Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM)
The Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM) is an internationally recognized clinical and research institute focused on medical reconstructive sciences. Established in 1993, iRSM is a joint initiative of Alberta Health Services, the University of Alberta, and Covenant Health.
iRSM has its origins in head and neck reconstruction and rehabilitation. Its research and therapeutic programs combine expertise in disciplines such as surgery, medicine, dentistry, rehabilitation medicine, engineering and computing science to create a fully integrated environment for clinical care, research, education and training in reconstructive medicine and technology. As an international referral center, it is a leader in the complex area of osseointegration (bone) implanted devices for prosthetic replacement of skull and facial defects resulting from cancer, trauma and congenital conditions.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Earl McKenzie
Public Affairs Officer
Advanced Education and Technology
(780) 415-0891
earl.mckenzie@gov.ab.ca
To call toll-free within Alberta dial
310-0000
