OTTAWA, ONTARIO, May 7, 2008-Parliamentary Secretary Lynne Yelich, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced a new project to provide biotechnology graduates with invaluable work experience, and to increase the industry's competitiveness.

Speaking at the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge National Awards Ceremony, Ms. Yelich highlighted the Government's continued support of Canadian companies and academic institutions in developing the highly skilled staff necessary for commercial success in biotechnology and life sciences in general. Through the new Career Focus BioTalent project, the Government will be investing an additional $250,000 to provide practical work experience to graduates and a skilled work force for biotechnology companies.

"The Government of Canada is committed to developing the best educated, most skilled and most flexible work force in the world," said Ms. Yelich. "We are proud to help biotechnology graduates get good jobs, and to support Canadian companies developing the highly skilled staff necessary to be successful."