FedNor invests more than $2.3 million in medical technology and innovation in the Thunder Bay region
Published Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Photo caption: From L-R: Peter Myllymaa, Vice President, Operations, Clinical & Support Services and Chief Financial Officer of TBRHSC and Chief Operating Officer, TBRHRI; David Stezenko, Executive Director of RegenMed; Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North; Byron Ball, Vice President, Infrastructure & Planning and Chief Financial Officer, St. Joseph's Care Group; Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC, and CEO of TBRHRI.
The Government of Canada supports the growth of medical technology and innovation to help build and maintain strong regional economies while improving foundations of local health services for Canadians. FedNor’s support of the medical sector ensures that Canadians everywhere experience the high quality of living for which Canada is recognized globally.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North announced today a FedNor investment of $2.3 million in support of three medical technology and innovation projects in the Thunder Bay region. The funding will support medical research and development, create and maintain jobs, and enable future growth opportunities.
Thunder Bay-Superior North initiatives supported by FedNor
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre ($1,912,115)
Enhancing technology
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) will receive $1,228,005 to enhance and expand its Radiopharmacy/Cyclotron technology, which makes radioactive isotopes for medical imaging and research. Specifically, this project will enable TBRHSC to supply markets outside Thunder Bay with radio-chemicals and isotopes, which will generate revenue streams to assist with sustainability and growth, and will create three new jobs. This investment will help maintain Canada’s position as a global leader in health innovation through long-term, sustainable growth, while also supporting a regional health centre.
Expanding research
In addition, TBRHSC will receive $684,110 to renovate and upgrade its medical imaging suite and purchase cutting-edge equipment to expand the research and development capacity. Specifically, this funding will support both upgrades and additions to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment, installation of a new spectrometer, commercialization of new technologies and products, and will create six new jobs.
These projects are receiving funds provided through FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.
Lake Superior Centre for Regenerative Medicine ($412,661)
The Lake Superior Centre for Regenerative Medicine (RegenMed) will receive $412,661 provided by FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program to purchase and install a patented acellular dermal matrix product that will improve health outcomes for diabetes and other chronic wound and burn patients. Specifically, this project will enable faster and more effective tissue harvesting while also lowering costs, which will allow RegenMed to support additional medical science organizations across Canada and will create four new jobs.