Government of Canada announces support for University of Victoria to create Centre for Advanced Materials & Related Technology (CAMTEC) BioMedical Core

Funding addresses a unique gap in the life sciences ecosystem by providing specialized equipment that will help life sciences companies in B.C. scale up

July 20, 2021 – Victoria, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada

British Columbia’s life sciences sector has faced substantial equipment and training costs, restricting companies from quickly responding to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Opportunities exist to improve the health of western Canadians, which is why the Government of Canada is investing in access to critical infrastructure and training in this sector.

Today, Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (B.C.), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced funding of $536,729 in federal support for the University of Victoria to create the Centre for Advanced Materials & Related Technology (CAMTEC) BioMedical Core.

This funding will help establish a Class II biosafety facility, or wet lab, that will be shared by a broad range of clients. The specialized equipment in this facility will position CAMTEC to support a variety of initiatives, including oncology and precision health, apparel manufacturing, and water treatment programs.

The new CAMTEC BioMedical Core will support increased access to critical infrastructure and training for industry partners that lack access to specialized equipment. This transformation is essential in ensuring companies can access the resources they need in order to grow.

The Government of Canada is committed to creating well-paying jobs for British Columbians and to being a global leader in the biosciences innovation sector. This project aligns with Western Economic Diversification Canada’s priorities of supporting health biological sciences, advanced manufacturing, clean resources, and inclusiveness.