FREDERICTON (GNB) – The federal and provincial governments today announced a combined investment of more than $622,000 in BioAtlantech to help grow the province’s bioscience sector.

“We know that companies in the bioscience sector require highly-skilled labour and create high-paying employment opportunities,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp. “These are the type of jobs that will enable New Brunswick to retain graduates from our universities and colleges, and to attract highly-skilled immigrants.”

The organization will focus on six key activities, including: pre-commercialization development; training, marketing and events; incoming and outgoing missions; trade shows and fairs; value proposition development; and business case development for incubator/facilities for the bioscience sector.

“We are proud to support projects like these, which expand economic opportunities for Atlantic Canadians,” said Fredericton MP Keith Ashfield. “Our investment of more than $317,000 will support BioAtlantech in facilitating growth in New Brunswick's biosciences sector, through activities such as pre-commercialization development, event coordination and business case development.”

Ashfield spoke for Rob Moore, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

“The support of the governments of Canada and New Brunswick for BioAtlantech will allow us to continue promoting and aiding in the growth of innovation in the bioscience sector in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada,” said Greg Kealey, PhD, executive director BioAtlantech. “Research and development-driven economic development is crucial for New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada's economic future.”

The province has invested $304,975 through the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries while the federal government, through ACOA's Business Development Program, has invested $317,975 toward the project.


29-10-13