Government of Canada and Genome Canada Invest in Applied Genomics Research to Strengthen Canada's Agriculture, Crop and

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, Apr 20 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology),
and Dr. Calvin Stiller, Chairman of the Board of Genome Canada, today
announced 12 new genomics and proteomics research projects in the areas
of bioproducts and crops.

"Our government recognizes the important role that research excellence
plays in furthering innovation and competitiveness, two main elements in
our science and technology strategy," said Minister of State Goodyear.
"These projects will promote job creation, strengthen the economy for
future generations, and will also generate strong environmental benefits
for Canada."

"The Genome Canada Competition attracted 48 proposals from scientists
across Canada," said Dr. Stiller. "The 12 successful projects are led by
researchers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba,
Ontario and Quebec. In addition to creating and maintaining approximately
250 jobs in Canada, today's announcement reinforces the important
scientific advances that can be achieved through Genome Canada's funding
model. Leveraging government dollars through collaborative initiatives
with other governments and partners maximizes our research capacity."

Canadian genomics researchers have received $112 million to carry out the
new projects. Of this, $53 million was provided by the Government of
Canada, through Genome Canada, and $59 million by Canadian and
international partners.

"I strongly believe that these outstanding research proposals will
significantly advance Canadian science," stated Dr. Joseph R. Ecker,
professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Chair of the
International Review Committee and world authority on the molecular
biology and genetics of plants.

A list of the 12 projects funded through this competition is available on
the Genome Canada website at www.genomecanada.ca. Short descriptions of
each research project are also provided.

Genome Canada is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to developing and
implementing a national strategy in genomics and proteomics research for
the benefit of all Canadians. By means of investments of $840 million to
date from the Government of Canada, Genome Canada has become the primary
funding and information resource relating to genomics and proteomics in
Canada and has established six Genome Centres across the country
(Alberta, the Atlantic region, British Columbia, Ontario, the Prairie
region and Quebec).

Contacts:
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Gary Toft
Director of Communications
613-943-7599

Industry Canada
Media Relations
613-943-2502

Genome Canada
Helene Meilleur
Director of Communications and Events Management
613-751-4460, ext. 116
hmeilleur@genomecanada.ca

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