Proteomics research continues to flourish on Vancouver Island, thanks to $663,000 in Western Diversification Program (WDP) funding. The investment was announced today by the Honourable John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

Funding will enable the University of Victoria (UVic) to purchase and operate two pieces of specialized equipment for the UVic-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, the only facility of its kind in Western Canada.

Proteomics is the study of the structure and function of proteins — the enzymes, antibodies and other molecules that make up our cells and tissues. There are an estimated one million different proteins in the human body, and the role of many of them is unknown.

“By investing in the University of Victoria’s Genome BC Proteomics Centre, we are investing in science, technology and innovation, while at the same time creating knowledge-based jobs,” said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “This equipment will help develop preventative and diagnostic medicine, benefiting Canadians living with illnesses, now and into the future.”

The two new instruments, known as mass spectrometers, will be used to provide fast and highly sensitive analysis of biological samples, such as blood, to detect protein biomarkers — which are molecules that indicate the presence of disease, conditions and degenerative changes in the body. Scientists hope that by validating proteins as biomarkers, doctors will eventually be able to identify patients prone to a particular disease before symptoms appear and tailor treatment to the individual.

Other project costs include acquiring supplies and a data storage server, laboratory upgrades to accommodate the new equipment, and hiring a mass spectrometry technician.

“We are very grateful to WDP for this investment in our proteomics research facility,” says Dr. Howard Brunt, UVic’s Vice-President Research. “The UVic-Genome BC Proteomics Centre now has the highest concentration of mass spectrometers at any Canadian university and one of the highest in North America, making it one of the most advanced centres in the world.”

The UVic-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, located at UVic’s Vancouver Island Technology Park in Victoria, British Columbia, has been providing protein analytical services to academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and government laboratories worldwide since 1982. Supported in part by a collaborative relationship between the University of Victoria and Genome British Columbia, the centre is a not-for-profit proteomics facility that operates on a fee-for-service, cost recovery finance model.

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.

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Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager – British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
604-666-1318
Valerie Shore
Senior Communications Officer, Research
University of Victoria
250-721-7641
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca

Chief Commissioner Sophie Pierre says no one should be satisfied with the progress being made in treaty negotiations in British Columbia.

British Columbians and Canadians should be asking: Has there been a sufficient return on investment in the BC treaty process given the time and money spent? Has it been worth it?

As we approach the 20^th anniversary of the BC treaty process in 2012 it is time to realize a return on the significant investment that has been made to achieve treaties.

“There are hopeful signs in treaty negotiations, but no real sense of urgency by the parties and some disturbing developments,” said Pierre at a news conference to release the Treaty Commission’s 18^th annual report. “Perhaps the next big opportunity to focus on moving treaty negotiations forward will be the 20^th anniversary.”

The Treaty Commission sees the potential for 16 treaties in the near term. Tsawwassen First Nation and Maa-nulth First Nations have implemented treaties and a third, with Yale First Nation, is expected to be ratified by Parliament this fall. Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and Sliammon First Nation have completed final agreements, but the parties have not yet completed ratification. In-SHUCK-ch First Nation and Yekooche Nation each have issues to resolve but are considered to be close to final agreements.

K’omoks First Nation has completed an agreement in principle and 8 First Nations are close to concluding agreements in principle. Another 26 First Nations are active in treaty negotiations.

“The lack of urgency in treaty negotiations, for which all parties must accept some of the responsibility, remains a concern for the Treaty Commission,” said Pierre. “It is disturbing that 19 years into treaty making and we don’t know when a final agreement is approved in the federal system so the parties can proceed with ratification; time-limited deals are the priority for the BC government; and there are fewer human and financial resources for treaty negotiations.”

Given the emphasis on the economy, British Columbians should know that treaties are an effective way to ensure there is economic growth in all regions of the province. Treaties are an untapped source of economic growth and when a First Nation prospers the whole region prospers.

The Treaty Commission will continue to focus on the catalysts to move treaty negotiations forward:

• Seeking a 20^th
  anniversary recommitment to the BC treaty process;
• Promoting the economic benefits of treaties for all British Columbians;
• Promoting interim measures agreements, including Incremental Treaty Agreements, that provide benefits to First Nations now, and are directly linked to treaties;
• Helping to resolve territorial issues among First Nations; and
• Helping with human resource capacity development to strengthen and prepare First Nations for governance after treaty.

About the BC Treaty Commission

The Treaty Commission is the independent body responsible for overseeing treaty negotiations among the governments of Canada, British Columbia and First Nations in BC. It has three roles: facilitation, funding, and public information and education.

BC Treaty Commission
Brian Mitchell
Communications Manager
Mobile: 604-788-5190 or Communications: 604-482-9204
Communications@bctreaty.ca
www.bctreaty.net

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), will hold a media callback to highlight accomplishments of his visit to China and South Korea.

Scott French
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-943-6183
Industry Canada
Media Relations
613-943-2502

Canadian universities attract the brightest and best researchers with federal funding

Senator Larry Smith on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, today announced $203.9 million in funding for 253 Canada Research Chairs newly awarded or renewed in 56 Canadian degree-granting postsecondary institutions. This federal investment allows Canadian institutions to strengthen their position as global leaders in research and development, bringing greater economic opportunities for Canadians.

“Our Government’s investment in research has had a significant impact on the economy and the lives of Canadians,” said Senator Smith. “For more than 10 years, the Canada Research Chairs have led to excellent research, development and innovation in digital technologies, health, education, clean energy, and business practice. By increasing the research power at Canadian postsecondary institutions, students have opportunities to study with world-leading researchers across all academic disciplines.”

Today’s event at Concordia University featured Dr. Marta Cerruti, recently recruited from the University of California at Berkley, who researches the way our bodies respond to bioactive materials. As Canada Research Chair in Bio-synthetic Interfaces from McGill University, Dr. Cerruti will study what happens between inorganic surfaces—like biodegradable plastics—and biologic molecules. Her leading-edge work will develop new methods of oral drug delivery as well as bioactive technologies that stimulate bone and cartilage regeneration.

Dr. Chad Gaffield, president of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and chair of the Canada Research Chairs Program Steering Committee, attended today’s announcement.

“The Canada Research Chairs Program fosters a world-leading research environment of international acclaim,” said Dr. Gaffield. “For more than 10 years, the Program has enabled our postsecondary institutions to attract and retain the world’s most accomplished and promising scholars, to achieve research excellence across the natural sciences and engineering, health sciences and social sciences and humanities, and to offer first-class learning and training experiences to the researchers and leaders of tomorrow.”

The investment announced today also includes an additional $10.2 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for research infrastructure associated with the new Chair awards.

“The CFI is proud to support these talented, well-trained individuals who will undoubtedly drive new ideas, develop original products and discover new ways to tackle issues,” said Dr. Gilles G. Patry, president and CEO of the CFI. “Investing in people, providing them with the tools they need, and creating opportunities to collaborate across boundaries are all critical factors to fostering an innovative society.”

The 253 chairholders included in the announcement will conduct research in a diversity of fields, with potential benefits for policy-makers, businesses, researchers and practitioners, and Canadians.

A full list of the chairholders is available on the Canada Research Chairs website.

Details on the CFI’s funding for research infrastructure associated with the new Chair awards are available on the CFI website.

Trevor Lynn, Manager, Communications
Canada Research Chairs Program
613-992-7302
Cell: 613-302-9879
trevor.lynn@chairs-chaires.gc.ca
Richard Walker, Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Industry
Office: 613-995-9001
richard.walker@ic.gc.ca
Yves Melanson, Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
613-996-3160
Cell: 613-447-1723
yves.melanson@innovation.ca
Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins
Senior Media Advisor
Concordia University
514-848-2424 Ext. 5068
sylvain-jacques.desjardins@concordia.ca

On Thursday, October 13, 2011, Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board of Canada and Western Economic Diversification, will participate in the official grand opening of new sports facilities at Windsor Secondary School.

Jaime Burke
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
604-666-1318

Launches Global Correspondents Network; Social Media Engagement Possibilities Emerge

i-Meet.com, the professional and social network for people who plan meetings and events, announced today a new online marketing approach that leverages the power of its worldwide community, which now includes over 65,000 members. Through its newly created Global Correspondents Network, i-Meet now provides a solution for awareness challenges with peer marketing capabilities that can be deployed quickly.

Designed to help brands and suppliers with their social media engagement strategies, i-Meet has put together a global team of experienced professionals available on-demand to participate in proactive messaging and awareness campaigns online. The team, which boasts an average of 11 years of meeting and event experience, is geographically dispersed and active in the industry. Together they provide an online marketing capability designed to reach tens of thousands of planners quickly to get the word out on new campaigns and special advantages.

“The research has confirmed that peer-to-peer marketing works,” said Dave O’Donohoe, Senior Vice President at StarCite. “Savvy marketers understand that online channels and influence programs are here to stay. Bringing value in all phases of the buying process, especially through peer engagement, can drive positive results and advertising synergies. We’re excited to be able to bring this solution to our clients through our partnership with i-Meet.”

i-Meet has been working on this concept for quite a while, carefully vetting the right professionals who have the skills and the creative abilities to execute this online marketing capability. Personal integrity is at the heart of this approach, and is an important feature to the selected Global Correspondents. Each is an independent, and is expected to fully utilize their direct experience, their industry networks, and their research capabilities to deliver thoughtful analyses and recommendations to other professionals around the world.

“I haven’t seen anything quite like this,” said Jennafer Ross CMP, CEO of JR Global Events and Past President of MPI Philadelphia Chapter. “I’m excited to be a part of a thoughtful resource to reach people like me around the world using social media. I’m impressed with the integrity of the approach, and the design of the process, which stresses speed to market on relevant industry messaging.”

Dubbed i-Meet’s “Street Team,” Global Correspondents are available for a variety of communications assignments, including research, reviews, and engagement campaigns. In many cases, they can personally visit venues that can help planners better assess their options. Members in the Network know the products and services in the industry, having worked with most major brands, destinations, technology providers, convention centers and unique venues, so they can confidently communicate their impressions and recommendations. They also contribute to content on i-Meet.com, and continuously build their personal networks to extend their influence. Collectively, Global Correspondents have a powerful voice with an extraordinary reach, based on their personal connections. Launched with 40 professionals, i-Meet expects the Global Correspondents Network to reach several hundred in the future.

“This is a powerful and very talented group of professionals,” said John Pino, i-Meet’s CEO and Founder. “Many are journalists, marketers and business owners, and all of them have deep meeting and event experience. They know how to communicate effectively, and they have stellar reputations that make their editorials, ratings and posts credible and valuable to their peers. This is designed to improve reach results, and to tackle awareness issues quickly and credibly.”

About i-Meet
www.i-Meet.com is the industry’s most relevant worldwide online community for the meeting and event industry. With over 65,000 members from 173 countries around the world, i-Meet brings social and professional networking, industry social media marketing and relationship opportunities to its members and suppliers. Its Skills Marketplace provides project-based work and employment opportunities to the industry.

Chip Stockman
Email Contact

The i-Meet Global Correspondent Network; experienced, skilled social media savvy individuals available to use their social skills to discuss your hotel, meeting and event related topics around the globe.

On Thursday, October 13, Canada’s Natural Resources Minister, the Honourable Joe Oliver, will address the Toronto Board of Trade to discuss the business opportunities presented by Canada’s abundant natural resources and their importance to the economy.

A short media availability will follow the Minister’s speech.

Media may contact:
Patricia Best
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
613-996-2007
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
613-992-4447

On Thursday, October 13, Richard Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo—Prince George, will make an important announcement for jobs in Canada’s forest sector.

Media may contact:
Patricia Best
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
613-996-2007
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
613-992-4447

On Thursday, October 13, 2011, Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray—Athabasca, will make an important announcement for jobs in Canada’s forest sector.

Media may contact:
Patricia Best
Director of Communications
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
613-996-2007
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
613-992-4447

On Thursday, October 13, Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette, will make an important announcement for jobs in Canada’s forest sector.

Media may contact:
Patricia Best
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
613-996-2007
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
613-992-4447