March 16, 2011
Edmonton, Alberta
The Government of Canada is supporting the commercialization of new genomics technologies that will reduce costs, enhance product quality, and increase the international competitiveness of the Canadian livestock industry.
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced an investment of $3,539,000 towards the establishment of a service laboratory in Edmonton to provide genomics technologies to the livestock breeding and production sectors across Canada.
“By providing access to important technologies and services, this facility will help the Canadian livestock industry to produce higher quality and more cost-efficient products,” said Minister Yelich. “This means that producers can grow and create even more jobs and opportunity in our communities.”
The new facility, a spin off from the University of Alberta’s Livestock Gentec Program, will commercialize new technologies and provide genomics services to livestock producers. The use of genomics can create significant benefits for livestock production, such as enabling producers to choose the best feed regime for their cattle and breeding healthier, hardier stock.
“This endeavour will ensure that technology developed in Canada can be used to maximum advantage by the Canadian livestock sector by providing cost effective proven technologies to the industry”, says Professor Stephen Moore, CEO of Livestock Gentec, the University of Alberta Centre that has undertaken much of the research to develop the technologies.
Federal funding provided through Western Economic Diversification Canada is directed towards equipment and operating costs associated with the new service laboratory.
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 advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For broadcast use
The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, is investing $3,539,000 towards establishing a new service laboratory in Edmonton. The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced funding for the initiative, which will contribute to the profitability and competitiveness of the Canadian livestock industry by providing producers with access to new technologies and services.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Manager, Consultations, Marketing & Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: 780- 495-6892
Cell: 780-991-7432
Marita Hobman
Executive Director,
Financial Operations and Strategic Development, Livestock Gentec
Tel: 780-492-4319
Cell: 780-975-3394
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
