Saskatchewan businesses and researchers now have a new institute dedicated to advancing the many benefits from the Canadian Light Source (CLS), under construction at the University of Saskatchewan.

Premier Lorne Calvert and Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) today announced matching contributions of $500,000 to establish the Saskatchewan Synchrotron Institute (SSI).

The SSI will be a "virtual" institute. Temporarily located at the CLS, it will ensure Saskatchewan maximizes the benefits from its investment in Canada's only synchrotron by coordinating and delivering research and supplier strategies and programs.

"This new investment in synchrotron infrastructure will ensure that Saskatchewan researchers and suppliers can take advantage of the economic and scientific benefits associated with the synchrotron project," Calvert said. "The Institute will place our province in a competitive position for attracting and retaining innovative researchers."

"Today's announcement highlights the federal government's commitment to strengthening Canada's research and development performance and helping Western Canadian businesses turn innovation into new products faster," said Secretary of State Owen. "Western Economic Diversification Canada's ongoing support of the Canadian Light Source also helps build a critical mass of business support and highly-skilled employees for the facility."

"It's critical that Saskatchewan scientists, students, businesses and government agencies actively participate in the CLS to ensure that this province can fully share in the scientific, economic and social benefits of this tremendous new project," said SSI Director Dennis Johnson. "The funding announced today will go a long way toward advancing that goal."

The Saskatchewan Synchrotron Institute will be financially administered by the University of Saskatchewan and governed by a management board made up of representatives from various groups including CLS Inc. (CLSI), the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, Saskatchewan Industry and Resources and Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

The SSI will:

• encourage the development of university and college synchrotron-related training and research programs at provincial institutions;

• conduct a supplier needs assessment to ensure that Saskatchewan companies are aware of the opportunities the synchrotron presents and the requirements to take advantage of these opportunities;

• provide matching funding for Saskatchewan-based industrial and academic researchers to visit international synchrotrons for training on applications of synchrotron science;

• provide information seminars to provincial suppliers, researchers and stakeholders on synchrotron opportunities;

• ensure Saskatchewan researchers are actively involved in using CLS;

• encourage the development of CLS-related learning experiences in Saskatchewan schools;

• provide financial support for post-doctoral fellowships or research positions; and,

• stimulate new industrial investment in Saskatchewan.

The SSI website was also launched today at www.sasksync.ca

The Saskatchewan Synchrotron Institute will be in operation for two years, until the CLS is commissioned in 2004.

Federal funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

The province's funding comes from the Strategic Investment Fund, which supports projects and infrastructure that will lead to the development of innovative products, processes, and technologies resulting in a significant economic impact.

For additional information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(306) 975-5942

Bob Ellis
Industry and Resources
Regina, Saskatchewan
Phone (306) 787-1691

Dennis Johnson
Director, Saskatchewan Synchrotron Institute
(306) 657-3576

SSI Website:
www.sasksync.ca