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The bulk of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. support announced Thursday by Nothern Development, Mines and Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle is going to the country‘s two accredited mitochondrial DNA labs. Gravelle said $676,100 will be spent to develop the MitoNorth database for mitochondrial DNA. The database is a collaboration between Lakehead University and Warnex PRO-DNA Services. The database will be used by law enforcement agencies and the legal industry to strengthen cases, Gravelle (Thunder Bay-Superior North) said. It also has applications for areas such as genealogical and ancestral research, he said. In addition, it will include samples of DNA to be linked to the FBI database, lowering the chances of error during research, said Gravelle. “Supporting MitoNorth will allow Thunder Bay to become a hub for the knowledge-based economy the province is hoping to grow,” he said. Gravelle added the Heritage Fund also helped develop the paleo-labratory at Lakehead University in 1999. It and MitoNorth are the only accredited mitochondrial DNA labs in the country, which, he said, the city should be proud of as it reinvents its economy. Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro said the database will also increase efficiency of the new Forensics Identification Services building, a Thunder Bay Police-Ontario Provincial Police facility. “This government has a firm commitment to northern development,” said Mauro, noting Heritage Fund support has increased. “We are now up to $80 million a year for funding on a go-ahead basis, up from $70 million last year.” Mark Busang, president and CEO of Laval, Que.-based Warnex PRO-DNA, said development of the lab will provide limitless applications in law enforcement. “This funding will help us build the knowledge industry of the Northwest and solidify Warnex PRO-DNA as a world leader in mitochondrial DNA,” he said. “We are proud to be part of the economic improvement of the city.” Also receiving financial support Thursday was Cinevate Inc. The digital photography company received $46,350 to add products to its photo and video market to sell to the film industry. Digital Coaching systems got $35,000 to expand its web-based digital coaching database tool for athletes, coaches and sports organizations. Ride Concepts Inc. got $15,000 to develop a shock absorption system for motocross motorcycles. The Heritage Fund is also providing $25,000 to new businesses: Radiant Being Wellness Centre, Santin Chiropractic, Renner-VFX, Stellar Music Productions and L.S.L. Construction. The variety will diversify the economy, said Gravelle, who sits on the corporation board. “We are looking for job creation and a few other factors that get us to support a project,” he said. Angelo Santin, owner of Santin Chiropractic, said he‘s hoping to hire another chiropractor. “About 10 months ago I applied to the NOHFC and the process is very simple,” he said. “We had quick communication with the board and they were very helpful all the way. The money allowed me to start my business from scratch, which any businessperson will tell you is difficult at best.” Top of Page |
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September 2, 2010, 8:22 am |