Government of Canada Investment Strengthens the Poultry Industry

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - July 14, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Canada's poultry industry will be able to address a significant productivity issue thanks to a $400,000 investment announced today by the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

This investment will enable the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) to develop and commercialize a novel technology that delivers an immunity-boosting aerosol protectant to chickens as an alternative to antibiotics.

This project supports a multi-regional partnership with poultry farms based in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and engages highly qualified personnel in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia as well as industry associations from both Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Quick Facts

• The Canadian poultry industry is comprised of over 25 hatcheries, 2700 chicken farmers, and 185 processors.
• This industry sustains 56,000 jobs and contributes $6.5 billion to Canada's annual GDP.
• The University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine opened in 1965 and is celebrating its 50^th anniversary.

Quotes

"The poultry industry is a major force within the Canadian economy. Our Government is proud to support the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine in developing an alternative to antibiotics that will address a significant productivity issue for the poultry industry."

• The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

"Western Canada is a leader in agriculture and innovation, which is demonstrated with today's announcement. Thanks to our Government's investment, the ability of Canada's poultry farmers and producers to grow and prosper will be enhanced."

• Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar

"Based on years of research, U of S veterinary pathologist Dr. Susantha Gomis and his collaborators have developed an innovative idea for treating bacterial infections in chickens that will provide Canadian poultry producers with another effective tool in their flock health kit. It's exciting research that will have significant impact in strengthening Canada's agriculture industry."

• Karen Chad, Vice-President Research, University of Saskatchewan

Additional Links

Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan

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