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 Canadian Water Network receives $3.7 million per year to continue funding innovative research projects on water qualityUBC Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability Researchers receive two year research awardVancouver, April 14, 2005 – The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Networks of Centres of Excellence, today announced that the Canadian Water Network (CWN) will receive $3.7 million per year for the next three years through the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE). The renewed funding will continue to support research addressing critical water supply and safety issues facing our nation. “Access to safe drinking water is a critical issue worldwide, and Canada can play a significant role in helping to develop sustainable water management strategies,” said Minister Emerson. “By mobilizing the best research talent at universities across the country, the Canadian Water Network helps find practical solutions to this global issue, and contributes to a healthier and safer environment for everyone.” The funding to the CWN is part of a federal investment of up to $55,050,000 over three years to extend the research activities of four Networks of Centres of Excellence in the areas of early childhood language and literacy development, health, water quality and the automotive industry. The Canadian Water Network was created in 2001 to build a network that develops opportunities related to the provision of safe, clean water. In collaboration with universities, governments and industry, the CWN has initiated a variety of leading scientific projects and initiatives that address key water-related issues facing Canadians. Building on this excellence, the CWN is creating an integrated national “innovation knowledge network” that embraces strong multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral partnerships. Led by Scientific Director Mark Servos, a Canada Research Chair in Water Quality Protection, the Network provides funding for 21 projects being conducted by 116 eminent researchers based at 31 Canadian universities. Research projects include over 200 research students. “Canada is fortunate to have exceptional research institutions and training facilities. The Canadian Water Network succeeded in attracting many outstanding researchers, students, corporations and government agencies with which to partner,” said Dr. Servos. “Our partnerships will lead to improved water quality in Canada and around the world, ensuring better quality of life and economic opportunities for millions of people. The Canadian Water Network also announced today that Dr. Hans Schreier and Dr. Ken Hall of the Institute for Resources and Environment at the University of British Columbia had been awarded two years of funding for their research project Options and innovations for non-point sources of pollution prevention and water resources management in the Lower Fraser Valley. Experts in watershed management, Drs. Hall and Schreier aim to examine pollutants from intensive land use activities around the Lower Fraser Valley and examine the effects on human and aquatic health. “The Network strongly encourages development of highly qualified personnel, especially the training of Canadian graduate students to be the next generation of water managers,” said Dr. Hall. “We at UBC’s Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability will work with our students, municipalities and Fraser River partners to address many of the water management challenges affecting the area, such as increased urbanization, groundwater and surface water contamination, and agricultural intensification.” The Canadian Water Network is hosted at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. Networks of Centres of Excellence are unique partnerships among universities, industry, government and not-for-profit organizations aimed at turning Canadian research and entrepreneurial talent into economic and social benefits for all Canadians. The NCE program is managed jointly by the three federal granting agencies – Science and Engineering Research Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council – in partnership with Industry Canada. Canadian Water Network Backgrounder For further information contact: Christiane Fox Ken Hall and Hans Schreier David Cotter Jean-Claude Gavrel
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