New Chair in Ecotoxicology to focus on St. Lawrence Ecosystem

Cornwall, Ontario, February 4, 1997 – The public and private sectors are teaming up to provide the University of Ottawa with $900,000 to study the ecology of the St. Lawrence River near Cornwall.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and five industry partners with operations in the Cornwall area (Domtar Specialty Fine Papers, Dupont Canada Inc., ICI Forest Products, Ontario Hydro, and Universal Terminals) will invest the money over five years in a new NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Ecotoxicology at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. David Lean, a former Environment Canada scientist specializing in the study of the effects of industrial activity on aquatic systems, has been appointed to the Chair. His job will be to assess the state of the ecology of the St. Lawrence River in the Cornwall region and provide information to the industrial partners on developing more environmentally-friendly management practices.

The University of Ottawa's Department of Biology will provide facilities for the Chair in cooperation with the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences in Cornwall. Dr. Lean will collaborate with scientists in Environment Canada as well as with researchers at the University of Ottawa.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Jon Gerrard, Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development), Bob Kilger, MP for Stormont-Dundas, said: "Through this Chair, industrial and scientific interests have joined forces with the intent of protecting and maintaining the health of the ecosystem on which we all depend. Using this approach, both the research Chair partners and our community are winners."

Dr. Tom Brzustowski, President of NSERC, said: "Dr. Lean enjoys an enviable reputation in the aquatic sciences community as an excellent scientist and research collaborator. The University of Ottawa has done well to acquire a researcher of his high stature for work of this great importance."

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada is the national instrument for making strategic investments in Canada's capability in science and technology. NSERC supports both basic university research through research grants and project research through partnerships of universities with industry, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people in both areas.

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