Industry and Environmental Researchers Join Forces

NSERC awards $1,715,000 for two innovative, University of Alberta research programs

(Edmonton, Alberta) - The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry, $1,715,000 in federal funding for two new projects focussed on the environment.

Speaking at the University of Alberta, Ms. McLellan praised the partnership represented in the new NSERC Senior Industrial Research Chair in Integrated Landscape Management, led by Dr. Stan Boutin. The Chair will receive $930,000 over the next four years. Described by Ms. McLellan as "both a catalyst and a focus," Dr. Boutin is at the heart of a partnership involving many players, all of them grouped under the umbrella of the Alberta Chamber of Resources. His team will seek science-based solutions that will promote environmental and industrial sustainability in the province. The Minister commended Dr. Boutin and Alberta-based industry for their history of co-operation, "Thanks to the University of Alberta and enlightened companies, we've witnessed a revolution in the way companies and university researchers are partnering in the common goal of sustainable use of landscape."

Minister McLellan also announced that Dr. Kevin Devito has been awarded a $785,000 NSERC Collaborative Research and Development grant. In partnership with the organization Ducks Unlimited, supported by forestry giants Weyerhaeuser and ALPAC, and oil company Syncrude, Dr. Devito will determine the effects of natural and human disturbances on wetlands, exploring the relationships between waterfowl, wetlands, landscape and climate.

"Partnership is the way to go," said Minister Tobin. "All parties who have special interests in the environment have to work together if we are to find the right solutions. No one can afford to overlook the benefits that research and innovation bring to the economy and the environment. These Alberta-based initiatives are breaking down the traditional perception that sees industrialists and environmentalists as being poles apart. This concept of research partnership is a positive pointer for the future."

NSERC president, Dr. Tom Brzustowski, welcomed the co-operation underpinning the new Chair and CRD grant. "These are important partnerships that show what can be done when determination and common sense prevail. Stan Boutin has been fostering these broad-based relationships linking the economy and the environment for some time now, and deserves high praise for his vision and achievement."

NSERC (the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) invests in people, discovery and innovation, and is the national instrument for making strategic investments in Canada's capability in science and technology.

For further information contact:

Francis Lionnet
Public Affairs Officer
Communications
NSERC
Tel.: (613) 992-9001
Fax: (613) 943-0742
E-mail: francis.lionnet@nserc.ca