Lakehead U Benefits from FedNor Support

THUNDER BAY, Ontario (April 8, 2004) - Thunder Bay-Superior North MP, the Honourable Joe Comuzzi, and Thunder Bay-Atikokan MP, Stan Dromisky, are pleased to announce FedNor support to Lakehead University for the development of five new initiatives. The University will enhance programming in its Innovation Management Office (IMO), design a toxicity prediction system for use in the pulp and paper production industry, obtain accreditation and expand its DNA and Forest Soils laboratories, as well as purchase specialized equipment for testing wood products in order to help the forest industry maximize the value of harvested resources.

"The Government of Canada, through FedNor, is committed to supporting initiatives that foster innovation and diversification in the Northern economy, allowing this region to become more self-sustaining," says Mr. Comuzzi. "This funding enables Lakehead to assist private sector partners in capitalizing on opportunities to grow and succeed."

"Ensuring institutions and communities have access to the capital and resources they require to compete is a high priority of our government," says Dr. Dromisky. "This funding enables Lakehead University to expand both its facilities and client base."

A FedNor investment of $924,457 will enable Lakehead University to pursue the following key projects.

In an effort to address the gaps in support for Northwestern Ontario innovators in transferring their knowledge and technology to others, the Innovative Management Office (IMO) will deliver targeted programs to assist industry, researchers and inventors in commercializing their concepts in Northern Ontario. The IMO plans to solicit industry-sponsored research projects; patent intellectual property; assist with the formation of knowledge-based start-up companies; support regional economic development and diversification; and educate and mentor new knowledge-based entrepreneurs.

Secondly, a Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) system and a Toxicity Early Warning (TEW) system are being developed for integration into the design of newsprint and kraft mill processes where various manufacturing changes may affect the toxicity of the discharged waste. Two junior researchers will be involved in the design and implementation of experiments that will be used for more detailed studies by graduating students participating in the initiative.

Lakehead University will also seek ISO and Standards Council of Canada accreditations for its Paleo-DNA Laboratory. The lab will offer DNA sequencing and analysis services to researchers and private businesses. This will assist the university in becoming nationally and internationally renowned for biotechnology research in Northwestern Ontario and enhance the facility's ability to attract top researchers, academics and students to the university and the region.

In addition, the institution will seek accreditation and the development of a business plan for its Forest Soils Laboratory. This project will allow the lab to offer a full range of services for all types of soils and tissue analyses. Lakehead will then be able to respond to service requests on a fee-for-service basis, and ensure highly trained personnel are available for customers, namely entrepreneurs and private sector partners. Training for staff in instrumentation and environmental sciences will also be provided.

And finally, Lakehead University will purchase a universal wood testing machine and test products produced by Superior Thermowood, a Northwestern Ontario-based firm. Specifically, the institution will test Canadian timbers which traditionally are considered of low value and test shaped wood products to determine their properties and potential for value-added wood products. This project is being funded under the Government of Canada's Softwood Industry and Community Economic Adjustment Initiative (SICEAI).

"This funding from FedNor enables us to enhance our services to meet the growing needs of industry and businesses, as well as expand our capacity to undertake research with the potential for commercialization," says Fred Gilbert, president of Lakehead University. "We are pleased to help increase Northwestern Ontario's ability to compete in the global marketplace."

FedNor works in partnership with Northern Ontario entrepreneurs, economic development stakeholders and community organizations to ensure Northerners enjoy full access to the information and services they require to be successful.

By supporting Lakehead University through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

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To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://fednor.ic.gc.ca

For more information, please contact:
Jenna Young, Communications Assistant, Office of the Honourable Joe Comuzzi, (807) 345-4305
David Frood, Communications Officer, FedNor (807) 766-1820 or 1-877-333-6673
Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, Lakehead University 807-343-8177