Minister Ritz Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Hon. John Wise

Jan 11, 2013

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz released a statement on Friday, extending his sincere condolences of the passing of former Minister of Agriculture John Wise.

Wise will be remembered for the many contributions that he has made to Canadian agriculture. He was instrumental in developing some key pieces of legislation including the Canada-U.S. Trade Agreement. He also helped deliver transition assistance for grape growers, which helped led to Canada’s world-class wine industry.

He will not only be remembered for the contributions that he made to agriculture but he will also be remembered as a true gentleman. Minister Ritz has sent his thoughts and prayers to the Wise family.

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.