New Canada Foundation For Innovation Funding Set To Strengthen Research Infrastructure
New Brunswickers working in the Atlantic salmon farming industry will benefit from new research at the Université de Moncton that aims to reduce stress among fish, resulting in healthier salmon and lower costs to producers. This research is part of a national announcement of $30 million in research infrastructure in support of projects across the country, which is allowing scientists to expand their knowledge in aquaculture and other areas as diverse as architectural history and chronic pain. The announcement was made by the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), accompanied by Robert Goguen, Member of Parliament for Moncton – Riverview – Dieppe.
The salmon aquaculture sector represents the largest single food commodity in New Brunswick and employs more than 1,500 people. Research plays a key role in ensuring the industry, and the communities it supports, stay competitive.
The investments are made through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund,
a fund designed to help universities attract and retain the very best researchers by ensuring they have access to cutting edge equipment and facilities.
The announcement was made at the Université de Moncton, where researchers Simon Lamarre and Pier Morin lead a team that aims to quickly identify the physiological and biochemical signs of stress in farmed Atlantic salmon. Doing so could help New Brunswick’s salmon aquaculture industry improve reproduction, helping boost this important economic contributor, which was worth more than $117 million in 2013. In addition to the funding for Lamarre’s work, the Université de Moncton also received funding for infrastructure supporting research in quantum
information processing.
Quick facts
The province’s entire aquaculture industry, including farmed salmon, employs more than 35,000 people and generates more than $2.5 billion in annual exports.
In 2014, the Government of Canada released the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy, which outlines a roadmap to strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in scientific research and harness Canadian innovations that create jobs, increase prosperity and improve the quality of life of Canadians.
In Economic Action Plan 2015, the Government of Canada proposed an additional investment of $1.33 billion in the CFI, the largest single investment ever made to support research infrastructure in the country.