Through an investment from the Government of Canada, EXCITE Corporation Inc.’s Genomics-Based R&D Centre for Health in Grand Falls-Windsor will expand its genomics-based research and development into hearing loss and continue to build on the region’s knowledge-based economy. Innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary hearing loss can improve the quality of life of countless people in Canada and around the world, while creating economic opportunities for those working in the field.
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced $785,282 from ACOA’s Business Development Program for the initiative. The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, also participated in today’s announcement on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
With this investment, the Genomics-Based R&D Centre for Health will undertake various genomics-based research activities to help improve the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of patients affected by otosclerosis – a disease of the bones of the middle ear – in collaboration with otolaryngology centres across Canada. The centre will also partner with Central Health to conduct studies related to hearing deficit and cognitive decline, and will develop educational materials for primary health care practitioners, including family physicians and audiologists, to help facilitate the use of genomics in clinical practice. In addition, marketing activities, industry education events and an annual genomics conference will be undertaken to attract new regional, national and international research and commercial opportunities.
Quotes
“By building upon our government’s investment, EXCITE Corporation Genomics-Based R&D Centre for Health is enabling the region to enhance its knowledge-based economy, while improving the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of patients affected by otosclerosis. Today’s announcement will also result in the expansion of international research genomics partnership, create commercial partnerships and enhance capacity for the health care sector in our province. Improving health innovation is an action of The Way Forward, and builds upon the work of the NL Innovation Council and the Business Innovation Agenda, as we continue to target better clinical care and outcomes, thereby improving efficiencies and value in the health care system.”
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
“The Government of Canada believes that public investment in innovation is an important catalyst that spurs economic growth, job creation and broad-based prosperity. We are pleased to support the EXCITE Corporation’s Genomics-Based R&D Centre for Health whose innovative R&D work is helping to improve the lives of people with hearing impairment, as well as having a positive impact on the region’s economy.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Todays’ announcement supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to invest in projects that help create a vibrant innovation economy and benefits all Canadians. This investment will enable researchers to build upon the important genomics R&D currently taking place at the EXCITE Corporation’s Genomics-Based R&D Centre for Health and better positon the Centre to attract new research and commercial partnerships, which is key to its continued growth and success.”
Scott Simms
Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame
“Through our collaborative partnerships, we are very focused on creating new economic opportunities in genomics both in research and industry. Our objective in Grand Falls-Windsor is to become a rural healthcare innovation hub connected to national innovation hubs. We know we can play a significant role in our community. We are very grateful to the Government of Canada for this funding to support our long-term goal of building the healthcare and life sciences economy in Grand Falls-Windsor.”
Barry Manuel
Mayor, Town of Grand Falls-Windsor and Chair, EXCITE Corporation Inc.
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Media contacts
Ryan Crocker
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 725-9595
RyanCrocker@gov.nl.ca
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Stanley Singh
Executive Director
EXCITE Corporation Inc.
709-489-4628
ssingh@EXCITEcorp.nf.ca