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PM opens world class research facility
Facility will help create jobs and long-term economic growth
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in the opening of the International Vaccine Centre (InterVac), a world-class Canadian research facility at the University of Saskatchewan. InterVac is designed to safely study new and existing infectious diseases, including SARS, HIV and West Nile virus.
“As part of our low-tax plan to create jobs and growth, our Government is providing scientists with facilities and equipment to conduct groundbreaking research and protect the health of Canadians,” said the Prime Minister. “This new facility will be a centre of excellence creating jobs for highly skilled researchers, opportunities for training for students and building on our international profile as a leader in public health.”
With support from the Government, InterVac – which is expected to become fully operational in 2012 – will be open to researchers from around the world and will enable international collaboration and partnerships. It will also serve as a valuable tool in mitigating the economic and social costs of infectious diseases and will alleviate the worldwide shortage of Containment Level 3 (CL3) laboratory space.
As part of the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), InterVac will significantly enhance Canada’s capacity to develop vaccines for both humans and animals, helping to ensure that Canada remains a leader in global research.
“Our Government will continue to support science, technology and innovation – key drivers of economic productivity, competitiveness and growth,” added the Prime Minister.
