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Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, today announced more than $2.1 million in funding

May 18, 2004, Vancouver, BC - The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, on behalf of the Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, today announced more than $2.1 million in funding to the BC Cancer Agency and BC Cancer Foundation for projects that will enhance research, development, and commercialization of health technologies.

"Support for cancer research in B.C. is key to developing new solutions to treat and better understand this devastating disease," said Minister Owen.  "Today's announcement reinforces the Government of Canada's commitment to science and technology as a key component of building a 21st century economy."

The BC Cancer Foundation will receive more than $1.3 million to acquire additional genomics research equipment for the BC Cancer Agency's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre.  These instruments will allow the centre to enhance its research capacity and support sustainable development of life sciences in Western Canada.

The BC Cancer Agency will receive $850,000 towards its Technology Development Office, which works closely with researchers to develop and commercialize promising discoveries.  There are significant global opportunities for marketing cancer research and technology.  The Office will capitalize on these opportunities to generate the funds necessary to advance current cancer research.

"This significant funding will not only allow the BC Cancer Agency to generate new knowledge, it will enable us to develop that knowledge and transfer it into the population," explained Dr. Victor Ling, vice president of research at the BC Cancer Agency.  "It supports our ongoing effort to narrow the gap between the researcher's bench and the patient's bedside."  

"We are extremely grateful for this funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada to the BC Cancer Foundation for genomics projects. The funding will help the Foundation move closer to our vision of a world free from cancer," said Mary McNeil, president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation. "It helps the Foundation continue our support of the vital work of the scientists at the BC Cancer Agency's Genome Sciences Centre--work which will result in improved treatments and cures for those living with cancer--here in B.C., and throughout Canada and the world."

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Public Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care.

The BC Cancer Foundation is an independent charitable organization that raises funds to support research and care through the BC Cancer Agency, including building the new BC Cancer Research Centre which will open in late 2004, and the Agency's Genome Sciences Centre, first in the world to sequence the SARS virus.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada through activities that promote Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Communities.   Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.

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