NEW PROVINCIAL LABORATORY FOR SASKATCHEWAN

Regina will soon be home to a new provincial public health laboratory that will meet future needs by improving testing capability and speeding up intervention in the event of a public health crisis such as SARS or an influenza pandemic.

"The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care calls for increased effectiveness to support health promotion and disease prevention. Our government is meeting that commitment," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Provincial laboratories provide an early warning system to detect infectious disease. They monitor potential threats to human health and ensure compliance with regulations. A new and improved Provincial Laboratory means Saskatchewan's public health system can better identify, respond to, and prevent illness and disease in our province."

"Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation is pleased to be part of a project that will have such a positive effect on our province's ability to deliver quality public health laboratory services for Saskatchewan people," Minister responsible for SPMC Deb Higgins said.

The new Provincial Lab was announced earlier this week in the government's 2004-05 Mid-Year Report. Location options are currently being reviewed. Project completion is expected within three years, and will cost approximately $27 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Pete Paczko Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083