Creating Jobs and Benefiting Science – Government of Canada Invests in Modernizing Federal Laboratory in Dartmouth

September 22, 2009 – The Government of Canada is creating jobs and supporting research by delivering more than $2 million in funding to modernize the Canada Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Dartmouth Laboratory.

This investment is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan through which the federal government committed to an accelerated investment program to provide $250 million, over the next two years, to modernize federal laboratories. The funding will be used to modernize these facilities while providing economic stimulus in regions across the country.

“Today’s announcement of just over $2 million will go toward updating and enhancing this facility. As a result, lab staff will have a modern work environment to carry out the important work they do,” said Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Canada’s Economic Action Plan means more jobs and better science, not only for Dartmouth and the Halifax Regional Municipality but for the entire country.”

The CFIA’s Dartmouth Laboratory delivers time-sensitive marine biotoxin testing for shellfish and conducts food safety testing for the Maritime provinces, and on a national basis. The laboratory’s biotoxin testing results are used to determine whether shellfish harvest areas need to be closed or can remain open. This testing program is a key element in protecting consumers.

This laboratory is also the national center of expertise for the detection of veterinary drug residues in fish and food contaminants such as arsenic, lead and mercury. Microbiological testing services and food safety investigations are linked through a national CFIA laboratory network. This laboratory’s operation ensures the safety of both domestic and imported food for Canadians.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan visit www.actionplan.gc.ca

-30-

For more information, contact:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: 613-773-6600

Minister's Press Secretary
Meagan Murdoch
613-759-1059

TTY (Telecommunications device for the hearing impaired) - 613-957-9090

This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.