World-Class Research Facility to Open in Saskatchewan

The International Vaccine Centre (InterVac), a state-of-the-art vaccine research centre and one of the largest of its kind in the world, will be up and running at the University of Saskatchewan in early 2012. InterVac will significantly enhance Canada's capacity to develop vaccines for both humans and animals, helping to ensure that Canada remains a leader in global research.

The research centre uses the most advanced technologies to develop vaccines against new and re-emerging infectious diseases, including SARS, HIV and West Nile virus, safely and more quickly than ever before.

The Government of Canada committed a total of $49 million, including $25 million from Western Economic Diversification Canada, to the construction of this facility. The Canada Foundation for Innovation contributed an additional $32 million.

On September 16, 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper participated in the opening of the InterVac facility and said that Canada "is providing scientists with facilities and equipment to conduct groundbreaking research and protect the health of Canadians. This new facility will be a centre of excellence creating jobs for highly skilled researchers, opportunities for training for students and building on our international profile as a leader in public health."

The facility is currently in a commissioning process and will then undergo certification to ensure it meets the safety standards of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.