February 21, 2014
For Immediate Release
Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Public Health Agency of Canada officially opened the JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Centre will advance and strengthen infectious diseases research and science.
The JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that will expand Canada's capacity to combat a range of established and emerging infectious diseases. It will also be a hub of HIV/AIDS laboratory research in Canada. The Centre will play a key role in developing new approaches to combat antimicrobial resistant organisms and carry out early vaccine research. The Centre features some of the most advanced laboratory training facilities in the world. Including a training area dedicated to high-containment, or Level 4, laboratory environments. It represents a significant investment in the Province of Manitoba and Winnipeg and will accommodate up to 200 highly-skilled employees.
The new infectious diseases research centre was named in honour of Dr. John Charles Wilt, a medical doctor and microbiology professor. Dr. Wilt was a pioneer of infectious disease research in Winnipeg and a well-respected member of the medical science community.
Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 957-2983
