PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTES $10 MILLION TO THE U OF S FOR THE CANADA EXCELLENCE RESEARCH CHAIR

The Government of Saskatchewan announced today a contribution of $10 million over seven years to the University of Saskatchewan to establish a prestigious Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Water Security and a world-leading research and training institute focused on solving critical challenges for domestic and global water security.

This funding is part of a total investment of $30 million, including $10 million from the federal government and $10 million from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). The U of S is one of only 13 universities in the country to be awarded a CERC through a highly competitive selection process that aims to attract world experts to Canada.

"This is an unparalleled opportunity for Saskatchewan and Canada to make a leading contribution to the science of water security, thereby helping local, national and global communities," Advanced Education, Employment and Labor Minister Rob Norris said. "It also directly contributes to our government's vision of a more diversified, knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy."

The CERC Chairs are intended to recruit the world's top researchers and scholars to develop ambitious research programs. Funding attracts the best and brightest in their fields of expertise. This partnership will create research excellence and innovation in water security in Saskatchewan.

The U of S CERC recruit is British scientist Howard Wheater, one of the world's foremost experts in hydrology and sustainable freshwater resource management, who will lead the new water security institute. A total of 85 new positions will be created at the institute, including six faculty, 20 post-doctoral fellows, 24 PhDs, 24 master's students and 10 support staff.

"Protecting our clean and safe water supply is a priority for government to meet the needs of our growing economy," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said. "This CERC represents an opportunity to advance to the forefront in water science and to further the province's priority in environmental sciences."

The new water security institute will be co-located with Environment Canada's National Water Research Centre at Innovation Place in Saskatoon, providing opportunities for collaborative research and training.

For more information about the U of S water research group, visit http://www.usask.ca/research/research-groups/water/index.php.

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For more information, contact:

Marieka Barrie
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170