Release Date: February 27, 2004
Media Contact: Jim Duggleby
E-mail: james.duggleby@uregina.ca
Phone: (306) 585-5439
Fax: (306) 585-4997
Government of Canada invests $1.8 million in research at the University of Regina
REGINA, Saskatchewan - The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Western Economic Diversification today announced $1.318 million in funding to the University of Regina (U of R) to purchase computers, software, research equipment and materials for new research projects with commercial potential. 

Minister Goodale also announced that Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is contributing $495,000 for a fibre optic cable linking the main U of R campus with the College Avenue Campus, the Canada-Saskatchewan Soundstage, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the Saskatchewan Science Centre. These links will significantly increase the speed and volume of data file transmissions. 

"Enhancing the University of Regina's research infrastructure capacity will encourage the development of new technologies with commercial potential-and taking bright ideas from the laboratory floor to store shelves will be an important part of Canada's future economic strength," said Minister Goodale. "Building world-class research universities, including the U of R, will make Canada a global leader in the commercialization of bright ideas."

U of R President David Barnard welcomed the research funding, noting that it underlines the institution's growing research capacity and enhances its role as a teaching institution and as a contributor to the growth of the Regina community. 

"Our research funding has more than quadrupled in the past five years," said Barnard. "Not only does that help us attract and retain leading scholars and teachers. It also enables us to play a greater role in the growth of our community - a connection that will be enhanced with the fibre optic link to these community institutions." 

The 11 applied research projects range from a preliminary design of small-scale potable water treatment systems for northern First Nations communities, to a globally accessible system for computer software development. 

The two funding announcements will strengthen Saskatchewan's reputation as a leader in the knowledge-based economy and help build a 21st century economy for all Canadians. They are representative of the leading-edge research being conducted at the U of R. These and other scientific projects are part of WD's ongoing investment in research at the university, including the Petroleum Technology Research Centre, the Communities of Tomorrow Partnership and the International Test Centre for Carbon Dioxide Capture.

Federal funding for this project was provided in the February 2003 federal budget.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: 

Louise Hayes
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification
(613) 952-0675
louise.hayes@wd.gc.ca Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 
(306) 975-5942
1-888-338-WEST (9378) 

Dr. Allan Cahoon
Vice President of Research 
University of Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 585-4383