News Release

For Immediate Release
October 16, 2006

Cape Breton Health Research Centre - Forging Ahead for a Better Tomorrow

Sydney, N.S. – Cape Breton University (CBU) and the Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA) are two institutions whose struggle to meet the demands on their respective research facilities just got a little easier, thanks to an investment from Canada’s New Government. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced today that the new Cape Breton Health Research Centre would receive $600,000 through Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) programming.

ECBC has invested these funds towards the establishment of a partnership between CBU and CBDHA in order to support the growth and sustainability of health research on Cape Breton Island.

Minister Peter MacKay said the project is a good example of a strategic partnership based on mutual strengths. “Canada’s New Government recognizes there are direct economic benefits from research activity and the indirect spin-offs of research funding can lead to substantial economic growth in this community,” said MacKay.

John Malcom, Chief Executive Officer for the CBDHA, said the endeavor was an obvious next-step for both institutions, “The establishment of the new Cape Breton Health Research Centre will enable both CBU and the CBDHA to further achieve their respective missions, as well as increase the research capacity in Cape Breton,” said Malcom.

John Harker, President of CBU is pleased the project is becoming a reality. "Often, the ability to recruit and retain top-notch health care professionals depends on whether research opportunities are available and supported. A similar trend can be found in attempts to recruit and retain top-notch university faculty. This venture addresses those concerns and the future is brighter because of it," said Harker.

The Cape Breton Health Research Centre will allow CBU and CBDHA to determine common research interests, to leverage grant applications and enhance student research. Along with creating employment opportunities, it is expected that it will also attract substantial new and incremental research dollars to the Cape Breton economy.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.

-30-

For more information contact:

Kelly Rose
Communications Officer
Cape Breton University
Tel: (902) 563-1638

Jennifer Crocker
ECBC Communications
Tel: 902-564-3917