INTERNATIONAL VACCINE CENTRE (INTERVAC) OFFICIALLY OPEN AT U OF S

Premier Brad Wall and University of Saskatchewan (U of S) President Peter MacKinnon officially opened the International Vaccine Centre (InterVac) at the Saskatoon campus today.

InterVac is part of the renowned U of S Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) and will be a key player in Canada's vaccine preparedness strategy.

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed more than $57 million to InterVac. Total cost of the centre is $140 million.

"We are pleased to partner in this exciting new research development that will benefit all Canadians," Wall said. "This investment will further enhance Saskatchewan's growing reputation for innovative research and world-class life science facilities."

InterVac will develop vaccines to protect people and animals from the threat of emerging or persistent diseases such as avian influenza or tuberculosis. This new building will be one of the largest and most advanced Containment Level 3 facilities in the world for both human and large animal infectious diseases.

"We are grateful for the support and confidence of our partners in this outstanding vaccine research and development facility, which holds enormous potential to make significant headway against existing and emerging diseases," MacKinnon said.

The centre is expected to be operational in early 2012.

Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested over $356 million in capital throughout the post-secondary system.

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For more information, contact:

Bill Stovin
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927