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Innovation, Business and Rural Development
May 16, 2012

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development:

Minister Highlights Promising Sector

Mr. Speaker, as part of the Provincial Government’s approach to economic and business development, we are a committed partner in supporting innovation and facilitating greater research and development.

It is an approach that is proving effective with the emergence of such industry sectors as ocean technology and information and communications. It is also leading to the growth of Newfoundland and Labrador’s life sciences sector.

In its very essence, life sciences is about using living organisms such as plants and trees and marine organisms to create new things, and where there are living things considerable economic potential exists.

Globally, there is a growing focus on the opportunities attached to life sciences. Research in such areas as bio-fuels, agri-foods, pharmaceuticals, and bio-pesticides is in high demand. These are emerging fields that present exciting opportunities.

With greater activity, we are better able to support local researchers develop solutions for the aquaculture sector; make crops or plants more resistant to pests; find new ways to treat health conditions; or find new energy sources.

To support its growth, the Provincial Government is making investments that hold the potential to strengthen the province’s position in the global sector.

Just recently, I announced a $750,000 investment that will help researchers make advancements in their work to fight against sudden cardiac death. It is also a commitment that further builds on the $17 million dollar contribution that this government made in the $28 million Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Human Genetics that is currently under construction.

Expanded infrastructure, Mr. Speaker, helps attract internationally-recognized researchers and supports sustained industry growth.

The future of the sector looks promising and, as reflected by the recent success of two high school students, is capturing the interest of the province’s youth.

Just recently, Jared Trask and Kaitlyn Stockley of Holy Spirit High School in Conception Bay South finished first at the regional Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge which is a biotechnology research competition. They subsequently represented the province at the national competition where they received an honourable mention. I congratulate them for their impressive accomplishments.

2012 05 16                             2:15 p.m.

 
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