November 30, 2005
U of S Board announces new Dean of University Library
Posted November 30, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 30, 2005 2005-11-26-OTHER
U of S Board announces new Dean of University Library
The Board of Governors at the University of Saskatchewan approved the
appointment of Dr. Vicki Williamson as Dean, University Library for a
five-year renewable term, effective March 1, 2006.
This appointment was the result of an extensive, open search for candidates
both nationally and internationally and is the first appointment of its kind
in Canada. Dr. Michael Atkinson, Provost and Vice-President Academic and
Chair of the Search Committee, said: "Dr. Williamson has a breadth of
knowledge and experience that will be of great benefit to the University
Library, as well as the University of Saskatchewan as a whole. In keeping
with the University's drive for academic pre-eminence, we are delighted to
be leading the way in Canada in appointing a Dean of Library."
Williamson is currently the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administrative and Academic
Support) at the University of Ballarat in Australia, a position she has held
since 2001. As a member of the University's executive leadership team, she
has university-wide responsibilities that include student services, human
resources, and information services. Williamson is also a
Governor-in-Council appointee and Deputy President of the Library Board of
Victoria, the governing body of the State Library of Victoria.
Before joining the University of Ballarat, Dr. Williamson was the University
Librarian at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Western Australia,
for nine years. During much of that time, she also served as the Foundation
Director of the John Curtin Prime Minister Library - Australia's first Prime
Ministerial library.
Dr. Williamson earned an EdD (Doctor of Education) from Curtin University of
Technology in 2000, an M.A. from the University of Canberra, and a Graduate
Diploma in Advanced Librarianship from the Canberra College of Advanced
Education.
She has published widely, and her current research interests include
innovation, change management, and strategic planning in education
environments; organizational culture of universities, and professional
development for library and information professionals.
Dr. Williamson will replace Frank Winter who served as the Library Director
for eleven years. After Mr. Winter's departure and while his successor was
being recruited, Ken Ladd served as Acting Dean of the University Library
for almost two years. On behalf of the University, Dr. Atkinson, expressed
his appreciation for Mr. Winter's long-term commitment to and solid
leadership of the University Library. He also extended gratitude for Mr.
Ladd's willingness to lead the University Library during this period of
transition.
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A photo of Dr. Williamson is available by contacting Tina Merrifield at
tina.merrifield@usask.ca
For further information, contact:
Dr. Michael Atkinson
Provost and Vice-President Academic
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8489
U of S Ag Economists Say WTO Ag Agreement Will Hurt Canadian Producers
Posted November 30, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 30, 2005 2005-11-27-AG
U of S Ag Economists Say WTO Ag Agreement Will Hurt Canadian Producers
University of Saskatchewan agricultural economists Richard Gray and Hartley
Furtan say two proposals scheduled for review at the World Trade
Organization's sixth ministerial conference in December are damaging to
Canadian agricultural producers. Their complete analysis is available in the
form of a Canada Rural Economy Research Lab policy brief which can be
downloaded at http://crerl.usask.ca.
The WTO meetings are set for December 13-18 in Hong Kong, China where
agriculture tariffs, farm subsidies and market access will be negotiated and
participants will try to develop a new trade agreement for agriculture.
A significant portion of Canada's wealth originates from international
trade. Agriculture is no exception to this rule, particularly for the grains
and oilseeds sector. Consequently, the WTO negotiations are delicate for
Canadian politicians and vitally important to Canadian agricultural
producers.
Professors Gray and Furtan have reviewed the United States and European
Union proposals and see little benefit for Canadian producers. The authors
point out that both proposals would eliminate the single-desk authority of
the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB).
"While the time may have come for more changes to the CWB, the removal of
the single-desk selling authority as suggested in the trade proposals would
be very poor policy for western Canadian grain farmers who use and value its
services. More thought and consideration needs to be given to what takes its
place. The current proposals place a large cost on Canadian farmers,
particularly western grain producers, while delivering few if any economic
benefits in return," said Gray.
Many of the Canadian supply managed sectors could also lose some or all of
their tariff protection (dairy, poultry, egg, turkey, and hatching egg
producers), especially if the more stringent United States proposal on
tariff reduction were adopted.
Furtan said, "We could not find many positive indicators in the current
proposals. Proposed subsidies to US and EU grain and oilseed producers are
not expected to change much, so there will be very little upside in terms of
increases in world agricultural commodity prices."
For more information, please download the Policy Brief located at:
http://crerl.usask.ca or contact:
Richard Gray
Agriculture Economics
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4026
Hartley Furtan
Agriculture Economics
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4032
November 29, 2005
Saskatchewan Government Provides Research Funding to U of S
Posted November 29, 2005
The following release was issued November 28, 2005 by the Government of Saskatchewan.Saskatchewan Government Provides Research Funding to U of S
The University of Saskatchewan received $800,000 today from the
province's
Innovation and Science Fund to support three research chairs. The funding
matches federal funding that was provided from the Canada Research Chair
Program.
Further information is located at:
http://www.gov.sk.ca/newsrel/releases/2005/11/28-1087.html
Dec. 2 Declared Green and White Day on University of Saskatchewan Campus
Posted November 29, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 29, 2005
2005-11-25-OTHER
Dec. 2 Declared Green and White Day on University of Saskatchewan Campus
City of Saskatoon To Celebrate As Well
University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon, along with City of
Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison, have proclaimed Fri. Dec. 2, 2005 to be
"Green and White Day" in the city.
Citizens of Saskatoon including the 27,000 students, staff and faculty at
the U of S campus, are being encouraged to wear Huskie Athletics apparel or
green and white clothing on Dec. 2 in support of the U of S Huskie football
team, who will be competing in the national football championships - the
Desjardins Vanier Cup on Sat. Dec. 3 in Hamilton, Ontario.
"The success of the Huskie football team is truly inspirational. The
leadership and motivation displayed by the players, coaches and support
staff is symbolic of the spirit and tradition found at the University of
Saskatchewan. Our team is a point of pride and we hope that our fans,
friends and alumni will join with us to celebrate by wearing their Huskie
green," said U of S President Peter MacKinnon.
Huskie apparel can be purchased at the Huskie Store in Midtown Plaza in
Saskatoon, ordered by calling (toll free) 1-888-214-8888, or visit the
following locations at the U of S campus: The Centre Shop (Lower Place
Riel), the Tuck Shop (Arts Building), the North 40 (Agriculture Building),
or the Galleria Store (Innovation Place).
City of Saskatoon Transit will be supporting this initiative by including a
"Go Huskies Go" message on the displays of select buses from Dec. 1-3.
Also, two University challenges have been made and a great deal of pride is
on the line. U of S Associate Vice-President of Student Enrolment Services
Division, David Hannah and his counterpart David McMurray, the Dean of
Students at Wilfrid Laurier University, have agreed that the losing team's
administrator will wear the winner's sweatshirt for one day on campus.
University of Saskatchewan Students' Union President Gavin Gardiner has a
challenge with his counterpart Dan Robert (President, WLUSU). The winning
Student President will provide the loser with a mascot (stuffed toy - a
Huskie dog or Golden Hawk) which the winner will have to take with him to
meetings for one day.
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For more information, please contact:
Erin Taman
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
Email: erin.taman@usask.ca
Web: http://www.usask.ca/communications
November 28, 2005
Cheer On the University of Saskatchewan Huskie Football Team
Posted November 28, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Monday, November 28, 2005 2005-11-24-OTHER
Cheer On the University of Saskatchewan Huskie Football Team
Vanier Cup Parties Planned For 4 Canadian Cities
University of Saskatchewan Alumni are hosting Desjardins Vanier Cup parties
in Saskatoon, Hamilton, Calgary and Edmonton and invite alumni and friends
to come and cheer on the Huskies.
All parties will take place on Saturday, December 3 (details below) and
everyone is encouraged to wear Huskie Athletics apparel or green and white
clothing to show their support.
"The U of S Huskie Football program is a shining example of the tradition of
excellence that the University of Saskatchewan is known for nationally,"
said Melana Soroka, Director of Alumni Relations. "We are excited that our
alumni and friends across Canada will be able to share in our success and we
invite everyone to join us in celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of
our student athletes. A very special thank you to our U of S Alumni Branch
volunteers for assisting in planning these events."
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Joe Dog's Gasbar Grill
345 2nd Avenue North
Big screen TVs, complimentary snacks, door prizes and games!
All-ages Event
Pre-game festivities at 1:00 p.m. (televised game time at 2:00 p.m. on TSN)
RSVP by November 30 to (306) 966-5186 or 1-800-699-1907
*Please note: media are invited to join us - the media contact is Erin
Taman, University Communications (cell 261-5852)
Hamilton, Ontario
Sheraton Hamilton Hotel (South/West Ballroom)
116 King Street West
Complimentary snacks and cash bar
Pre-game festivities from 12:30-2:30 p.m. (local game time is 3:00 p.m.)
RSVP by November 30 to (306) 966-5186 or 1-800-699-1907
Calgary, Alberta
Schanks Athletic Club North
103 Crowfoot Terrace NW
Big screen TVs, complimentary snacks, and prizes!
Festivities from Noon-5:00 p.m. (local game time is 1:00 p.m.)
RSVP by December 1 by email to jason.zimmerman@shaw.ca
Edmonton, Alberta
Mo's Sports Parlour
5420 Calgary Trail Northwest
Big screen TVs, complimentary snacks, and prizes!
Pre-game festivities 12:30 p.m. (local game time is 1:00 p.m.)
RSVP by Thursday, December 1 to maureen_fromhart@hotmail.com
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For more information, please contact:
Erin Taman
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
Email: erin.taman@usask.ca
Web: www.usask.ca
November 22, 2005
Manulife Financial works with University of Saskatchewan to get Canadians Moving
Posted November 22, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 22, 2005
2005-11-20-OTHER
Manulife Financial works with University of Saskatchewan to get Canadians
Moving
Saskatoon, SK - Saskatoon's in motion initiative is spreading across Canada
thanks to a generous donation from Manulife Financial to the University of
Saskatchewan. Manulife's $400,000 gift will be used to promote the in
motion initiative, provide national training opportunities and further
research about physical activity based community initiatives.
The in motion program is a partnership between the University of
Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Health Region, the City of Saskatoon and
ParticipACTION. It provides a physical activity health promotion model that
incorporates public awareness in combination with target population
strategies all supported by research. The initiative has been adopted by
various communities throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba as well as Abbotsford
BC. In addition, the in motion "team" has provided consultative services to
many other communities across Canada.
Bruce Gordon, Senior Executive Vice President and General Manager, Canada
for Manulife Financial says "Manulife Financial is committed to helping
Canadians live longer and healthier lives so we're very pleased to support
this collaborative partnership. Our donation to the University of
Saskatchewan will help them share this successful active living strategy
with other communities across Canada."
The gift will be used to develop and maintain a new Canada in motion website
which will include a new health self-assessment tool. It will support the
2006 in motion National Training School which will bring together local,
national and international experts to share strategies and research
regarding physical activity and health promotion. The gift will also be used
to support a post-doctoral position at the University of Saskatchewan. This
person will translate research results into new materials for health
professionals and community groups. In recognition for Manulife's support,
the three year post-doctoral position will be called the Manulife Financial
Scholar in Physical Activity and Health Promotion.
"We've seen the impact community-wide 'active-living' can have on community
development and empowerment in areas such as health-care delivery, program
sustainability and the problem-solving capabilities of a community," says
Karen Chad, U of S Associate Vice President - Research, and lead researcher
for the in motion project. "By supporting our efforts to take this model to
all Canadians, Manulife is playing a role in improving the physical, mental
and economic well-being of the nation."
The donation was made through the University's Thinking the World of our
Future fundraising campaign. Campaign priorities include enhancing the
student experience, increasing financial support for students and improving
facilities to provide better opportunities for learning and research.
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For more information, please contact:
Tom Nunn
Assistant Vice President, Media Relations
Manulife Financial
(519) 594-8578
Susan Burton
Campaign Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1851
November 21, 2005
U of S Spinoff Adnavance Attracts $3.85 M Investment
Posted November 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Monday, November 21, 2005 2005-11-18-OTHER
U of S Spinoff Adnavance Attracts $3.85 M Investment
University of Saskatchewan spinoff company Adnavance Technologies Inc. has
attracted a $3.85 million investment from four venture capital organizations
to develop biosensors for diagnosing disease, novel DNA-based vaccines, and
a new method for producing hydrogen for fuel cells.
The deal, coordinated through the U of S Industry Liaison Office (ILO),
includes $1.1 million from the Canadian Medical Discoveries Fund, $1 million
from the Working Opportunity Fund managed by GrowthWorks Capital, $1 million
from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), and $750,000 from B.C.
Medical Innovations.
"These strategic investments boost Adnavance's research and development
efforts to produce prototypes for its biosensor and hydrogen generation
applications," says ILO Director Doug Gill. "These prototypes are key to
triggering industry partnerships to help bring these technologies to
market."
Previous investors in Adnavance include University Medical Discoveries Inc.
who played a pivotal role in founding Adnavance and provided key funding to
develop the technology at the very earliest stages at the U of S. AgWest Bio
and the University of Saskatchewan itself also contributed with early-stage
investment.
The biosensor and vaccine projects are based on M-DNA, a metal-bearing form
of DNA discovered by U of S researchers Jeremy Lee and Palok Aich. The metal
gives M-DNA some interesting properties.
In vaccines, for example, M-DNA appears to improve immune response, possibly
because it resists the enzymes that quickly break down regular DNA.
DNA-based vaccines are much easier to make than conventional vaccines so
they can be deployed more quickly and cheaply - attractive traits when
combating emerging diseases. Lee and his research team will collaborate with
researchers at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the U of S
for this project.
The M-DNA biosensor project will be based at Paracelsus Technologies Inc., a
wholly-owned Adnavance subsidiary in Vancouver. The aim is to create a
diagnostic tool that will quickly yield information on genetic disease and
bacterial infection, allowing doctors to prescribe appropriate treatment.
"We should be able to provide a diagnosis in less than half an hour," Lee
says. "The idea is to provide an answer by the end of the patient's visit."
The third project is hydrogen production using sunlight. The method is
similar to photosynthesis in plants, in that it splits hydrogen from water
and stores it in a chemical form. This project is supported by the National
Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program.
Adnavance Technologies Inc. is an early stage company formed in 2002 to
develop technologies that use the electrical conductivity properties of both
normal and novel, metallic, forms of DNA to serve needs in large
biosensor-molecular diagnostics, as well as energy generation and management
markets.
The Canadian Medical Discoveries Fund (CMDF) is Canada's largest health
sciences labour-sponsored venture capital fund. Established in 1994, it
manages more than $244 million in venture capital investments, its portfolio
reflecting predominantly Canadian companies using advanced biotechnologies
to develop products and services that fulfill unmet medical needs.
GrowthWorks managed funds, including GrowthWorks Canadian Fund, GrowthWorks
Commercialization Fund, GrowthWorks Atlantic Venture Fund, and the Working
Opportunity Fund have combined $750 million in assets and investments,
primarily focused on Canada's most promising sectors: information
technology, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
BDC Venture Capital is a major venture capital investor in Canada, active at
every stage of the company's development cycle, from seed through expansion,
with a focus on technology-based businesses that have high growth potential
and that are positioned to become dominant players in their markets. BDC
Venture Capital has been involved in venture capital since 1975 and has to
date invested in more than 400 different companies. It currently manages
approximately $550 million in venture capital assets invested in the areas
of Life Sciences, Telecommunications, Information Technology, Advanced
Technologies and Funds Investments.
B.C. Medical Innovations Fund (BCMIF) is a labour-sponsored investment fund
that focuses exclusively on the burgeoning health science sector in British
Columbia.
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For more information, contact:
Henry Geraedts, CEO
Adnavance Technologies Inc.
(604) 816-6332
geraedts@adnavance.com
www.adnavance.com
Rachelle Girard
Industry Liaison Office
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-7338
rachelle.girard@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research/ilo
Michael Robin
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
November 17, 2005
U of S Experts Contribute to $2 M Alberta Grizzly Bear Landscape Change and Health Project
Posted November 17, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 17, 2005 2005-11-16-OTHER
U of S Experts Contribute to $2 M Alberta Grizzly Bear Landscape Change and
Health Project
An interprovincial team from Alberta, the University of Saskatchewan and the
University of Waterloo has been awarded $2 million from the Alberta
government's Innovation Program and industry partners to develop tools that
will harness high-tech veterinary diagnostics, satellite-generated maps, and
computer modeling to assess and predict the effects of landscape change on
the health of resident grizzly bears.
"This multidisciplinary research illustrates how expertise from across the
country can be brought together to protect the environment and the heritage
of all Canadians," says U of S president Peter MacKinnon. "These
partnerships are an integral part of our drive to be among Canada's top 10
research-intensive universities."
Project leader Gordon Stenhouse is a grizzly bear specialist with Alberta
Sustainable Resources Development and leader of the Foothills Model Forest
Grizzly Bear Program. He heads a team of wildlife veterinarians, habitat
specialists, molecular biologists, and remote sensing experts who have been
working for the past six years to understand how human activity affects
grizzly bear health. The project will also involve six graduate students and
three summer students from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.
"Bears are at the top of the food chain, so they make a good indicator
species to assess ecosystem health," Stenhouse said. "They also have
enormous ranges, so by monitoring their health, we can assess the health of
thousands of square kilometers of ecosystem."
Grizzly bear habitat covers about one-third of Alberta, including the
foothills and eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Much of this area is
also prime timberland, with underlying oil, gas and coal deposits. For this
reason, many of the province's resource companies are strong supporters of
the grizzly bear project, together with government agencies such as Alberta
Innovation and Science.
Steven Franklin, geography professor and U of S vice-president research,
leads the remote sensing portion of the project. He will develop maps that
monitor changes in landscape, and detect changes that have an impact on
resident grizzly bear populations. The resulting maps will allow resource
managers to identify and manage key habitat areas.
The animal health portion of the project will be handled by U of S wildlife
health specialist Marc Cattet, U of S stress physiologist David Janz, and
University of Waterloo stress physiologist Matt Vijayan.
This part of the project will include isolating proteins that animals
produce when they are under long-term stress such as that caused when food
supplies are short or there is a habitat disturbance. These proteins will be
used in diagnostic "protein chips," portable tools that can quickly detect
the presence of these proteins and hence the level of stress in the bears.
Because these proteins are found in many species other than grizzly bears,
the tools developed in this project have the potential to be applied to
other wild species across Canada, particularly at-risk animals such as the
woodland caribou and wolverine.
The animal health group will also develop health profiles for individual
bears to measure the effects of long-term stress on outcomes such as
longevity, growth, reproduction, and immune function.
The habitat mapping and health data will form the core of new geographic
information system (GIS) tools that will allow resource managers to plan
their activities. Eventually, software tools can be developed that will
allow simulations of the effect developments such as new oil and gas wells,
coal mines, or forest-harvesting operations have on the health of resident
grizzly bears.
Stenhouse will handle the knowledge transfer portion of the project. This
will involve providing digital files of maps and other information, as well
as new GIS applications. Training will also be provided so that resource
managers at government agencies and among industry partners can use the new
tools to the best effect.
The Alberta Government established the Innovation Program in 2004 as a
three-year, $33-million initiative to support innovative proposals developed
by Alberta government departments, agencies, boards, commissions, Crown
corporations and their partners. The Innovation Program is designed to
achieve government's long-term goals for the province's prosperity by
expanding Alberta's capacity for innovation.
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For more information, contact:
Michael Robin
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Fran Hanington
Communications and Extension
Foothills Model Forest
(780) 865-8330
fran.hanington@gov.ab.ca
http://www.fmf.ca
Lynn Hutchings-Mah
Alberta Innovation and Science
(780) 415-6186
lynn.hutchings-mah@gov.ab.ca
http://www.innovation.gov.ab.ca
November 09, 2005
U of S Partners Open $3-Million Pulse Crop Field Lab
Posted November 09, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2005 2005-11-10-AG
U of S Partners Open $3-Million Pulse Crop Field Lab
A unique-in-Canada, $3-million pulse crop research lab opened today at the
University of Saskatchewan, the result of more than three years of effort by
the university, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG), the governments of Canada
and Saskatchewan, and numerous partners in industry.
The new state-of-the-art lab is expected to meet the crop breeding and
research needs of the pulse industry for the next 30 years. It adds 1,200
square metres to the existing U of S Crop Science Field Laboratory just east
of campus near the corner of 108th Street and Preston Avenue in Saskatoon.
For the first time, all aspects of pulse research programs at the U of S
Crop Development Centre -- from breeding, pathology and crop physiology to
data processing and seed storage -- will be located together, increasing
efficiency and allowing research programs into crops such as peas, lentils,
chickpeas, and beans to expand.
"The opening of Canada's newest pulse crop research facility enables
Saskatchewan and western Canadian producers to cultivate a superior product
and meet the increasing international demand for pulses," said Finance
Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Minister of Western
Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). "This investment
builds on the expertise of crop scientists at the U of S and supports
Saskatchewan pulse growers who produce the largest percentage of Canada's
peas and lentils."
"Saskatchewan is a world centre of excellence for research, production,
value added-processing and marketing of pulse crops," said Saskatchewan
Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman. "This strategic investment in
pulse crop research infrastructure will ensure continued growth of the pulse
industry and contribute to increased wealth in Saskatchewan."
The project was spearheaded by the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, which has a
long history of generous support for pulse research.
"Of our $3 million invested in research programs in 2004-05, 70 per cent was
awarded to the University of Saskatchewan," SPG Chair Dean Corbett said. "We
know this research support has a big impact on the industry. The 2003
Gray-Scott study shows that every dollar SPG invests in research leads to a
$15.60 return for farmers and a $31.30 return for the industry as a whole."
CDC Director Rick Holm said the new lab will advance development of new crop
varieties, improve disease management and enhance quality, while keeping
Canada's growing pulse industry profitable over the long term.
"By building on this strong partnership of government, industry and the
university, we now have the space and research capacity to take Saskatchewan
pulses into the future, whether it be varieties that perform better in our
province's fields or varieties that meet the requirements of current and
emerging markets," Holm said. "This expansion will also help attract
graduate students and visiting scientists."
The main funders are the Canada-Saskatchewan Agri-Food Innovation Fund and
Western Economic Diversification Canada, which committed $1.5 million and
$750,000 respectively. Other contributors include BASF Canada with
$125,000, Philom Bios Inc. with $100,000, and Morris Industries with
$75,000. Nitragin Inc., Bayer Crop Science, Becker Underwood, Bourgault
Industries, and Syngenta Crop Protection Canada Inc. each contributed
$50,000. Twenty-seven additional donors contributed amounts ranging from
$100 to $30,000. A full list of donors is available from Saskatchewan Pulse
Growers.
Saskatchewan's 20,000 pulse growers are a national success story, together
making Canada the world's largest exporter of peas and lentils and a major
exporter of chickpeas.
Saskatchewan produces 99 per cent of the country's lentils and 70 per cent
of its peas. Pulses are now planted on four to five million acres annually,
making them the province's third most important crop export, accounting for
about 15 per cent of income at the farm gate.
The U of S has played an integral role in the development of the province's
pulse industry. Fewer than a dozen Saskatchewan farmers had tried growing
lentils when a breeding program was established at the CDC not long after
the Centre's inception in 1971. Since then, the CDC has released 92 pulse
crop varieties including 32 lentil, 20 pea, 22 bean, 13 chickpea and five
fababean varieties.
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For more information, contact:
Michael Robin
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Garth Patterson
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
(306) 668-6676
gpatterson@saskpulse.com
www.saskpulse.com
Scott Brown
Communications
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-4031
Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(306) 975-5942
Rick Holm
Director, Crop Development Centre
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8195
www.usask.ca/agriculture/plantsci/cdc.html
U of S English Graduate Student Wins Prestigious Award at Geminis
Posted November 09, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -Wednesday, November 9, 2005
2005-11-11-AR
U of S English Graduate Student Wins Prestigious Award at Geminis
University of Saskatchewan English graduate student Tasha Hubbard will
receive the prestigious Canada Award at the 2005 Geminis for her documentary
film, Two Worlds Colliding, the National Film Board (NFB) has announced.
The Canada Award, created and sponsored by the Department of Canadian
Heritage, is given for excellence in mainstream television programming that
reflects the racial and cultural diversity of Canada. Hubbard and the NFB
will receive the award on November 17 at the 2005 Geminis.
Two Worlds Colliding, a 49-minute documentary, was written and directed by
Hubbard and produced by Bonnie Thompson of the NFB. The film is Hubbard's
directorial debut and part of the NFB's Aboriginal Filmmaking Programming.
"This award was a complete surprise," says Hubbard. "For the film to be
recognized in this way is a tremendous honour. This is a testament to the
courage of the families and other participants who felt able to speak about
the painful reality of racism in our communities."
The documentary chronicles the story of Saskatoon's infamous "freezing
deaths," and the racial divide between the Aboriginal community and the
police force.
During the production of the documentary, Hubbard was working on completing
her graduate degree in English, which she has returned to with vigour since
the debut of the film.
"Tasha Hubbard is one of our most gifted graduate students," said Professor
Ray Stephanson, English graduate chair. "Her work as filmmaker has already
had huge impact within the Canadian scene, both academic and non-academic.
There are few students at any university in Canada who can claim such
distinction. She is most worthy of this award and to be congratulated for
her significant achievement.
The filmmaking process has inspired Hubbard's new research. In January, she
will speak at a conference in Australia on the idea of "testimony" in film
and her thesis project is going to link the literary and the visual,
building on her experience with the documentary.
These themes were brought to light for Hubbard in her interviews with
Darrell Night, an Aboriginal man who alleged he was driven beyond the city
limits by police officers and dropped off in sub-zero weather to walk back
to Saskatoon. An investigation resulted in the conviction of two Saskatoon
Police Service Officers for unlawful confinement.
"I am interested in video as a medium and what is means for Indigenous
peoples -- its different manifestations, its way of expressing history, and
giving creative expression and testimony," Hubbard said.
"I'm pleased the film and its content have been recognized in this way.
Police-Aboriginal relations continue to need work and I hope the film can
contribute to dialogue in this area."
Earlier this year, Hubbard took home the Golden Sheaf award for "Best
Aboriginal Film" at the Yorkton Short Film and Video Festival. The film has
appeared on CBC and at several film festivals.
The inaugural Canada Award was presented in 1989 to Degrassi Junior High.
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Note to editors: Photos of Tasha Hubbard are available upon request.
For more information, contact:
David Hutton
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6490
Dave.Hutton@usask.ca
Tasha Hubbard
(306) 653-1957
tah076@mail.usask.ca
November 08, 2005
Co-op Studies Team Awarded Largest-Ever U of S SSHRC Grant to Study Social Economy
Posted November 08, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 8, 2005
2005-11-08-OTHER
Co-op Studies Team Awarded Largest-Ever U of S SSHRC Grant to Study Social
Economy
A University of Saskatchewan research team has been awarded $1.75 million
from the federal Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to
study social enterprises - the largest such grant to the university to date.
The team, led by Lou Hammond Ketilson, director of the U of S Centre for the
Study of Co-operatives, will investigate how social economy enterprises help
build more respectful relationships within communities, with the
environment, and among stakeholders. Such enterprises include
not-for-profits, co-operatives, community economic development
organizations, community-based organizations, and other voluntary-sector
initiatives.
"This grant is a strong endorsement of our unique capabilities in social
sciences and humanities research," said U of S President Peter MacKinnon.
"In Saskatchewan, the 'social economy' is part of our sense of place, our
history of working together for the common good through co-operatives,
volunteerism, and other community initiatives."
The project is part of a five-year national study of social economy
enterprises. Participating universities, co-operatives, and other partners
have committed in-kind contributions of $4.7 million, for a project total of
$6.45 million.
The project includes almost $1 million in student funding, topped up by
$100,000 from the U of S. Over the course of the project, this will support
13 graduate and 15 undergraduate students, as well as provide funds for 22
summer research assistantships and an additional 23 stipends for students
working in community-based placements on specific research issues.
"Our proposal was successful because it is interdisciplinary and based on
innovative university-community partnerships," said Ketilson, an associate
professor of management and marketing. "We have an exceptional project team,
as well as strong and growing links with community and co-operative leaders,
managers, and employees to work with our academic researchers."
The project is co-ordinated through the Centre and the Community-University
Institute for Social Research (CUISR).
"This grant represents an evolution in CUISR's work," said CUISR community
co-director Kate Waygood. "It will deepen and broaden the understanding of
what makes and keeps communities healthy and vibrant."
The research involves 24 academics from 10 disciplines and 12 universities,
as well as 33 community partners and other national and international
organizations across British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, northern
Ontario, and the US.
One of six regional research nodes across the country, the Saskatchewan-led
project has long-standing working relationships with most of the other
successful applicants in SSHRC's social economy funding initiative.
"This project will advance understanding of this little-studied area of the
Canadian economy, assist policy makers, and bolster student awareness of the
special contributions of these organizations to society," said U of S SSHRC
co-ordinator Peter Stoicheff.
The researchers will look at five areas: social enterprise development;
financing strategies for this development; governance of social-economy
enterprises; measuring and mapping the social economy; and developing policy
frameworks for the social economy.
Co-operatives, businesses owned and controlled by their member customers or
employees, are an integral part of the social economy, which is a key policy
interest of SSHRC's Community University Research Alliance program.
The Centre for the Study of Co-operatives (www.usaskstudies.coop) is an
interdisciplinary teaching and research institute funded by the U of S,
major national and provincial co-operatives, and Saskatchewan Industry and
Resources. CUISR (www.usask.ca/cuisr) is a partnership among
community-based organizations, faculty, and graduate students from the U of
S.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Lou Hammond Ketilson
Centre for the Study of Co-operatives
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8509
hammondk@commerce.usask.ca
Note to editors: Professor Ketilson will be available for interviews from
Winnipeg after 2:00 p.m. Saskatoon time, by calling (306) 227-6133.
Nora Russell
Centre for the Study of Co-operatives
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8504
russelln@duke.usask.ca
November 07, 2005
U of S 10th in Maclean's rankings
Posted November 07, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 7, 2005 2005-11-05-OTHER
U of S 10th in Maclean's rankings
The University of Saskatchewan has maintained a strong hold on this year's
Maclean's rankings according to the university survey released today placing
the U of S 10th out of 15 in the highest category of universities - the
medical doctoral category - for the second consecutive year.
The U of S was ranked higher than the universities of McMaster, Ottawa,
Dalhousie, Calgary and Manitoba.
The Maclean's survey ranks universities according to 24 specific indicators
such as size of the operating grant, numbers of international students,
class sizes and reputation. The differences between the top and bottom
scores in these indicators are very small.
This year the U of S improved in six categories including, faculty research
awards and first-year out of province students. Significant improvements
were also seen in the proportion of alumni who contribute to the university,
and social sciences and humanities grants.
The university stayed at the same ranking in 13 categories, holding on to
first place in the number of international students who graduate from the U
of S, and in 3rd and 4th year class sizes. It went down in five categories
including operating budget and library acquisitions.
University President Peter MacKinnon said: "It is a significant achievement
to be ranked in the top 10 of Canada's leading universities. Clearly, the
University's reputation has grown in recent years, this is due, in part, to
a strong strategic direction which is focusing efforts on academic
pre-eminence, international standards and staying true to our sense of
place."
"We recognize, however, that we still have some work to do and are
continually striving to improve upon our best efforts."
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKinnon, President
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6612
CFI Invests $253,000 to Support Three New U of S Researchers
Posted November 07, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Nov. 7, 2005
2005-11-07-OTHER
CFI Invests $253,000 to Support Three New U of S Researchers
Today three newly recruited University of Saskatchewan scientists were
awarded a total of $253,000 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
to provide cutting-edge infrastructure for research that could help treat
heart disease, find environmentally friendly ways of making new plastics,
and lead to new electronic devices.
"Today's announcement will provide some of our talented new faculty with the
tools they need to advance research and student training in key areas of
benefit to Canadian society," said U of S Vice-President Research Steven
Franklin.
He noted that total funding to the U of S from the CFI New Opportunities
Fund has now reached more than $7.86 million for 70 projects since the
inception of the program.
"These awards represent a strategic boost to research capacities of the
University of Saskatchewan," said CFI President Eliot Phillipson. "This
funding allows Canada to attract and retain top-notch researchers and
provides our graduate students with access to world-class facilities and
training environments."
The CFI was joined by Treasury Board President Reg Alcock in Ottawa to
announce $18.6 million in funding across Canada. CFI's board of directors
approved this investment through two funds: $14.3 million under the New
Opportunities Fund (NOF) and $4.3 million under the Infrastructure Operating
Fund which assists universities with the incremental operating and
maintenance costs associated with new infrastructure projects.
"This is excellent news for the University of Saskatchewan," said Ralph
Goodale, Canada's Minister of Finance and MP for Wascana. "These researchers
will attract top-quality students, while their research activities bolster
the development of new knowledge economy clusters in our region."
Successful U of S applicants:
- Qing Meng (pathology) - $68,000 for equipment to study atherosclerosis, a
condition that involves narrowing of blood vessels and decreased blood flow
to the heart. Atherosclerosis is highly associated with cardiovascular
disease, the leading cause of death in North America. Meng thinks a
deficiency of hydrogen sulfide in the body may contribute to both
atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. He hopes his research may lead to
new treatments.
- Richard Bowles (chemistry) - $88,000 in funding for super-computing
equipment to advance his molecular simulation-based research. Bowles is
investigating nanometre-sized metal particles important to a variety of
industries that develop structures for electronic devices. He is also
studying nanometre-sized pollutant particles that affect the formation and
behaviour of clouds.
- Stephen Foley (chemistry) - $97,200 for specialized equipment to develop
next-generation catalysts for industrial applications such as synthetic
polymers used in a wide range of plastics from toothbrushes to gas pipelines
to bio-medical implants. About 90 per cent of the world's chemical
production processes depend on catalysis technology. Through collaboration
with Canadian-based companies, Foley's research will be turned into
marketable innovations.
Selection criteria for the awards include quality of research, need for
infrastructure, and potential benefits of the research to Canada. CFI funds
40 per cent of the costs, and researchers must come up with the remainder
from other sources. A complete list of projects, by university, can be
found at: www.innovation.ca
CFI is an independent corporation established by the federal government to
strengthen the capacity for innovation in Canadian universities and research
institutions.
- 30 -
For more information, please call:
David Hutton
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6490
Angus McKinnon
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
(613) 996-3160
November 05, 2005
The 'Voice of the Huskies' CK750 Radio Supports University of Saskatchewan
Posted November 05, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 5, 2005 2005-11-04-KIN
The 'Voice of the Huskies' CK750 Radio Supports University of Saskatchewan
They're not just talking the talk - they are walking the walk at radio stations
CK750 and CJVR FM. Company President, Gene Fabro and General Manager,
Ken Singer from the Melfort-based radio stations, presented a $275,000 cheque
to U of S President Peter MacKinnon and Dean of Kinesiology Carol Rodgers at
a pre-game event at the Canada West Semi-Final Football game at Griffiths
Stadium.
"CK750 has been the voice of the Huskies for the past 10 years" says Fabro.
"We are proud to play such an important role in linking the Huskie Athletic
Program to the broader community and hope our gift will encourage other
Saskatchewan businesses to support the U of S."
Fifty-thousand dollars of the gift will support the Huskie Athletic programs
and $225,000 will support additional upgrades to Griffiths Stadium.
"Huskie football draws fans from across the province to our campus" says
President MacKinnon. "With the support of industry leaders like CK750 and
CJVR FM we will be able to improve our athletics facilities so they better
reflect the outstanding success of our athletic programs and provide a great
place to host a wider variety of events."
Rodgers says the decision about what component of the stadium upgrade will
be supported by this gift still requires Board of Governor approval and will
be announced in the near future.
In recognition of Radio CJVR Ltd.'s outstanding financial commitment, Huskie
Athletics has extended the current agreement with the radio station giving
CK750 exclusive radio broadcasting rights for Huskie football through to the
end of the 2014 season.
Live play-by-play broadcasts of Huskie football games with veteran sports
broadcaster, Neil Shewchuk and Kelly Bowers reach alumni and Huskie fans
throughout Saskatchewan. Fans throughout Canada and around the world also
access the broadcasts via the station's on-line streaming service at
www.ck750.com.
The donation was made through the University's Thinking the World of our
Future fundraising campaign. Campaign priorities include enhancing the
student experience, increasing financial support for students and improving
facilities to provide better opportunities for learning and research.
For more information, please contact:
Ken Singer
General Manager
CK750 AM and CJVR FM
(306) 752-2587
Email: k.singer@cjvr.com
Susan Burton
Campaign Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1851
