Canada's Economic Action Plan

The Government of Canada is improving research capabilities for the agriculture sector which will lead to more innovation in the agriculture sector, more market opportunities for farmers and better health and safety for Canadians. David Anderson, Member of Parliament for Cypress Hills-Grasslands, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, and the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, announced today a contract award totalling over $5 million for a new greenhouse at the Semiarid Prairie Agriculture Research Centre (SPARC) in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Upgrades to federal laboratories are a key component of Canada's Economic Action Plan. This investment will improve research capabilities for the agriculture sector.

"The Government of Canada recognizes that research is critical to helping the Canadian agriculture sector grow and prosper," said MP Anderson. "Improvements to facilities such as SPARC will allow scientists to conduct research that gives our farmers cutting-edge technology as they deliver safe and high-quality products to Canadians and markets around the world."

"This contract was awarded following an open, fair and transparent competitive processes administered by Public Works and Government Services Canada," said Minister Ambrose. "Projects such as this provide jobs during construction and provide staff with a more efficient and modern work environment."

MP Anderson added that "additional funding will enable SPARC to continue to lead the way in Canadian grains research."

Valued at $5.16 million, the SPARC contract was awarded December 21, 2009, to Graham Design Builders, a Calgary-based company. The work will include a new greenhouse that will enhance the research conducted at the facility. Under the contract terms, upgrades must be complete by March 31, 2011.

Under Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has implemented an accelerated program to invest a total of $12 billion in improvements to federal infrastructure across Canada by 2011, including $250 million for upgrades to federal laboratories.