Government of Canada Invests in Science and Infrastructure Upgrades at the Laurentian Forestry Centre in Quebec City

QUEBEC CITY, July 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Science and research are key to innovation and environmental sustainability in the natural resource sectors. The Government of Canada is making strategic investments in scientific research infrastructure to support the competitiveness of Canada's natural resources industries, create jobs and to support Canada's transition to a low-carbon economy. 

An investment of $3.3 million at the Laurentian Forestry Centre in Quebec City will ensure that the scientists and researchers who work at the facility can continue their cutting-edge work in forest pest management, forest regeneration and climate change research, among other projects. The funding will be used to upgrade laboratories and equipment and to install energy-efficient lighting. Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, made the announcement today during a province-wide visit to Quebec.

Funding for this investment is provided through the Government's first Budget, which allocated $140 million to support science, research and innovation — the pillars of strong and advanced economies — through improvements to federal laboratories and other federal assets.

The Laurentian Forestry Centre is one of Natural Resources Canada's five forestry research centres across the country.

Quotes
"In addition to contributing to the local economy, this funding will help ensure that our scientists and researchers have the tools they need as they continue their important work to make Canada's forest sector even more competitive, while creating good jobs and protecting the environment."

Jim Carr
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources

Associated Links
Laurentian Forestry Centre [http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/research-centres/lfc/13473]

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Guillaume Julien, Office of the Minister, Natural Resources Canada, 613-404-3032; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100