Government of Canada Investment to Advance Genomics Technologies


SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - July 13, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced an investment of $600,000 for Genome Prairie to advance genomics technologies in Saskatchewan.

Federal funding through the Western Diversification Program (WDP) will support Genome Prairie to proactively engage companies and organizations in key economic sectors in adopting genomics technologies to address issues such as productivity, management and mitigation of risk, product diversification, and environmental management.

Genome Prairie will develop new partnerships that will benefit industry in the mining, energy, agriculture and value-added sectors. These projects will stimulate the technology transfer and commercialization pipeline in Saskatchewan for genomics based discoveries. This will help to drive innovation, and bring new products and services to market.

Quick Facts

  • Genome Prairie has supported over $260 million of research activity across Manitoba and Saskatchewan to date.

  • Genomics technologies present practical innovation that can replace or augment many technologies used by industry today.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to support Genome Prairie in their efforts to advance genomics technologies within industry. This partnership will improve the commercialization for western Canadian companies, so that we can develop new products and services and create jobs."

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

"Saskatchewan is home to many innovative and creative entrepreneurs who are helping to create new economic opportunities. Thanks to our Government's support, Genome Prairie will be able to build on our region's strengths so that we can continue to create growth and prosperity."

- Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt

"At Genome Prairie, we work with our industry and academia partners to turn good ideas into practical solutions, products and services. With this support from the Government of Canada and Western Economic Diversification Canada, we can proactively engage with new and established companies to demonstrate tangible economic benefits that improve the quality of life for all Canadians."

- Dr. Reno Pontarollo, President & CEO, Genome Prairie

Additional Links

- Genome Prairie

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Contact Information:

Nicholas Insley
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
613-220-6208
nicholas.insley@wd-deo.gc.ca

Quyen Van
Communications Officer
Genome Prairie
Winnipeg, Manitoba
204-269-0816
qvan@genomeprairie.ca

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