ACOA announces funding for state-of-the-art equipment for AVC
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, and Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary for International Trade, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced funding for the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), University of Prince Edward Island to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment.
'Canada's long-term economic competitiveness in this emerging knowledge economy demands globally competitive businesses that innovate and create high-quality jobs,' said Minister Shea. 'Investments such as this one keep our region's economy strong, create high-quality jobs on the Island and ensure that PEI is a premier destination for the world's brightest minds.'
AVC has purchased a new state-of-the-art CT scanner, which will give the College additional research capabilities in the areas of dairy health, arthritis, bone grafting, orthopedic transplants and stem-cell healing in both large and small animals. This equipment will also allow for additional research in neurodegenerative diseases that can impact animal and human health.
'The work being carried out at the Atlantic Veterinary College with leading-edge, and state-of-the-art equipment is an essential element in this work,' said Parliamentary Secretary Keddy. 'The Atlantic Veterinary College is well known for its many outstanding research teams who are dedicated and passionate. In its pursuit of finding innovative ways to ensure optimal health for its clients, AVC is also creating a real competitive advantage within the global market. The whole Atlantic Canada region benefits from the work done here.'
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested $392,864 to help with the purchase of the new state-of the-art equipment. AVC has invested an additional $130,954.
'As the only full-service veterinary hospital in Atlantic Canada, we take great pride in providing the best care possible to our clients and their animals," said Dr. Donald L. Reynolds, Dean of AVC.
'This CT-scanner will greatly increase our capacity to diagnose and treat medical conditions affecting large and small animals, and it will be an important tool in the education of our students and the work of our researchers. On behalf of AVC, I thank the Government of Canada for its ongoing support of our work.'
