Fednor Funding Announced for Cancer and Cardiac Research Facility

Health Minister Tony Clement came to Thunder Bay on Thursday bearing money for two research-related projects and hinted more government funding may be in the works. Clement, who is also responsible for FedNor, announced $2.2 million in funding to convert the former Northwestern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre on Munro Street into a biomedical research facility to be named the Cancer and Cardiac Research Centre. Once completed, it will accommodate internationally acclaimed researchers working in a variety of medical fields.

Clement said FedNor will also provide $357,884 for Genesis Genomics Inc., a cutting-edge biotechnology company in Thunder Bay, to fund a project that will assess whether mitochondrial DNA (the genetic material found in mitochondria, a specific portion of a cell that helps produce energy) biosensor technology can determine the aggressiveness of prostate tumours. This will determine when and what treatment would be most effective for the patient.

Clement suggested the federal government could be investing money in the molecular medicine research centre which will be located in the Munro Street facility. The federal share of the $44.1-million facility would be $12-$14.7 million. “We’ve been having very intense discussions and the business plan has been presented to us,” Clement told The Chronicle-Journal following a news conference at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. “I feel we’re a step closer than the day before today so I’m quite optimistic.”

So is Michael Power, vice-president of regional cancer services and diagnostics. “We have lobbied Clement and (Finance Minister Jim) Flaherty and all indications are we will be just fine,” Power said. “We have the premier’s commitment and we’re hiring scientists. We’re moving forward.”

The FedNor funding for the Munro Street facility is welcome news, said Ron Saddington, president and chief executive officer of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “This complex will help us in our drive to attract and retain top cancer and cardiac researchers, providing another valuable research asset for the community,” he said.

Genesis Genomics president and chief executive officer Bob Thayer said research conducted at the facility will complement current standard tests for prostate cancer, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and the needle biopsy which can produce false negative readings. “This could be an important milestone in the development of a detection and monitoring tool for prostate cancer, which could lead to early intervention and more effective treatment,” he said.

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