April 3, 2018 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) relies on science to contribute to evidence-based decisions that protect Canada's food, animal and plant resources. By supporting our country's remarkable scientists and providing them the facilities they need, we are strengthening science and building a better tomorrow.

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of $80 million to replace the Centre for Plant Health in Sidney, B.C. The Centre is a CFIA diagnostic testing, research and quarantine facility, with both laboratories and greenhouses. This funding, a Budget 2017 commitment, complements recent federal investments in science and laboratory infrastructure proposed in Budget 2018. It also demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to advancing science and research, supporting innovation and growing the economy.

The development of this world-class plant health research facility will provide CFIA scientists and partners with state-of-the-art facilities to advance plant science. Having the right tools is essential to help them develop and partner on new ideas and opportunities to protect and grow Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector, as part of the Government's goal of attaining $75 billion in agriculture and food exports by 2025.

The CFIA collaborated closely with the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, a long-standing partner of the Centre for Plant Health, as well as other partners to develop a vision and business case for enhanced investment in the facility. The Centre will be developed over five years in continued collaboration with industry, provincial governments and academic partners, providing opportunities for the local community, the province and scientific partners across Canada.