October 11, 2011
Delta, British Columbia
Today, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, announced support for the British Columbia Cranberry Marketing Commission to establish a Cranberry Research Centre in the Lower Mainland.
Our Government’s top priority is the economy and Canada’s agriculture industry plays a vital role in keeping our economy strong and creating jobs,
” said Parliamentary Secretary Findlay, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “The new Cranberry Research Centre will conduct research aimed at increasing cranberry yields across British Columbia and Canada, which in turn will bring the potential for jobs and economic growth.
Funding will aid in the construction of a Cranberry Research Centre, the first of its kind in Canada and the fourth such centre in North America. The research centre will serve as a cranberry test and demonstration facility where current and new cranberry varieties can be evaluated using various growing mediums and alternate production techniques.
The BC cranberry industry is thrilled to receive funding from Western Economic Diversification for our Cranberry Research Centre,
” said Todd May, President of the BC Cranberry Research Society. “Cranberry farmers deeply appreciate this support and the recognition of the importance of this facility. This acknowledgement further reinforces the dedication and financial commitment of our farming families towards the future of the cranberry industry in British Columbia.
The Government of Canada is providing a $203,000 investment through the Western Diversification Program (WDP) to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of Delta’s agricultural economy.
The Government of Canada is committed to defending the interests of Canada’s traditional industries and to supporting them as they innovate and grow.
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 additional information (media only) contact:
Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (604) 666-1318
Geraldine Auston
Director of Communications
BC Cranberry Marketing Commission
Telephone: (604) 820-4451
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
