Partnership to focus on aquatic biosystems, environmental health 

Environmental research programs at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) have taken a leap forward with the establishment of a research collaboration agreement that will see scientists from both organizations working together on new studies related to environmental health.

For decades, scientists at IISD-ELA have maintained a research infrastructure for tracking changes in aquatic biosystems resulting from climate change, nutrient loading, pollutants, invasive species, and many other alterations in the environment. The facility, the only one of its kind in the world, has been researching whole-lake ecosystems since the 1960s.

Researchers at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine are studying similar changes, from the point of view of impact on human health. For example, researchers are studying the impact nutrient loading has on cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae), and developing better ways to detect cyanobacteria blooms. Cyanobacteria is known to be harmful to humans, and represents a significant health risk to the people of Northern Ontario. Every summer, many beaches and water sources are identified by Public Health Officials as being contaminated, which results in the issuing of water advisories. The problem is increasing every year in part because of global warming.

“The Northern Ontario School of Medicine understands that the health of the people of Northern Ontario in inextricably linked to the health of the environment,” said Dr. Penny Moody-Corbett, NOSM’s Associate Dean of Research. “The work to be performed with IISD-ELA will enable scientists to advance our understanding of health risks associated with environmental change. It is essential we develop new tools to address the continually changing pressures our environment is experiencing, and the likely impacts on human health.”

Matthew McCandless, IISD-ELA Executive Director, is also excited about the potential of the new collaboration. “IISD-ELA has an international reputation for excellence in environmental research. Working with NOSM will allow us to apply a specific focus on human health to several of the studies we are undertaking.” McCandless is also looking forward to the learning opportunities the agreement will create. “IISD-ELA is dedicated to the training a new generation of scientists with the skills to understand the impact environmental change will have, beyond our current measures. This agreement will enable educational opportunities in new disciplines with tremendous potential impact on the health of Northern Ontarians and beyond.”

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IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is an exceptional natural laboratory comprised of 58 small lakes and their watersheds set aside for scientific research. Located in a sparsely populated region of Northwestern Ontario, Canada, the lakes in the region are not affected by human impacts. By manipulating these small lakes, scientists are able to examine how all aspects of the ecosystem—from the atmosphere to fish populations—respond. Findings from these real-world experiments are often much more accurate than those from research conducted at smaller scales, such as in laboratories. This unique research approach has influenced billion-dollar decisions of governments and industries. It has generated more cost-effective environmental policies, regulations and management, all to ensure the safety of our freshwater supplies.

Earlier today, Bruce Power announced that it will provide $5 million in funding to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) to conduct health research in Northern Ontario, specifically in relation to radiation and the environment.

Bruce Power’s contributions to NOSM will consist of:

• A $5 million investment over the next five years to establish the Bruce Power Centre for Health and Environmental Research.
• The renewal of the Bruce Power Chair in Radiation and Health at NOSM, which was established in 2013.
• The provision of a free, clean energy electric car charging station that is open and available to the public, as well as an electric car for conducting research.

The $1 million in annual funding for five years will be used to continue research that has taken place during the first four years of the existence of the Bruce Power Chair in Radiation and Health, specifically:

• The impact of low-dose radiation on health.
• The environmental impacts of radiation and how they impact health.
• The effects of radiation and diagnostic imaging on fetal programming.
• The effect of radiation on specific species of fish.
• The impact of radiation on Indigenous communities.

“Our research looks at what happens to the body when we’re exposed to low doses of radiation,” said Dr. Doug Boreham, Bruce Power Chair in Radiation and Health at NOSM and Manager of Integration at Bruce Power. “We have found that, contrary to popular belief, low-dose radiation has a net positive effect on an organism’s health, leading to less cancer and longer life expectancy. Essentially, low doses of radiation stimulate repair systems and make organisms healthier, stimulating a similar effect on the body as exercise.”

In addition, the Chair will provide scientific oversight and direction for research associated with environmental and human impacts of the nuclear power industry. Having already invested more than $1 million into NOSM to date, the partnership between it and Bruce Power will continue to foster better educational outreach in radiation and health and build a strong network of expertise to support the future scientific and health needs of Bruce Power, NOSM and Ontario. As with all of NOSM’s research, these projects are being conducted in Northern Ontario, with a specific interest in the impact of these items on the people and communities of the North.

The provision of a clean energy vehicle and charging station provides a step toward more environmentally friendly transportation in Northern Ontario. Electric vehicles produce 90 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions than fossil fuel cars, leading to fewer environmental pollutants, which have a negative impact on health. The charging station that will be installed at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine at Laurentian University will allow any member of the public to charge their electric vehicles for free.

Commentary

“On behalf of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, I’d like to extend my thanks to Bruce Power for their generous research funding,” said Dr. David Marsh, Deputy Dean and Associate Dean, Community Engagement at NOSM. “We can accomplish much more together than we can on our own. Collaborating with organizations such as Bruce Power means that we have a greater ability to better the health of the people and communities of Northern Ontario.”

“This announcement demonstrates what can be achieved through innovative partnerships. Health, energy, and our environment are directly linked. This new funding will help to expand research functions at Northern Ontario School of Medicine and ensure they’re able to undertake the cutting edge work we’ve all come to expect from their team,” said Honourable Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy and MPP, Sudbury. “I’m also pleased with the announced installation of a new electric vehicle charging station at Laurentian University, allowing the public improved access to free charging.”

About Bruce Power
Bruce Power operates the world’s largest operating nuclear generating facility and is the source of about 30 per cent of Ontario’s electricity. The company’s site in Tiverton, Ontario, is home to eight CANDU reactors. Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an all-Canadian partnership among Borealis Infrastructure Trust Management (a division of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System), TransCanada, the Power Workers’ Union and the Society of Energy Professionals. A majority of Bruce Power’s employees are also owners in the business. Learn more at www.brucepower.com.

Outgoing Members Thanked for Outstanding Service

Using a combination of web- and teleconference connectivity across Northern Ontario, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) held its Annual Members and Board of Directors meetings on Wednesday, September 21, 2016.

Board members Dr. Roger Couture, Dr. George Doig, Dr. Lori Livingston, Dr. Krista Marcotte, Ben Petersen, Tim Pile, Angela Robson, and Carolyn Sinclair were thanked for their significant contributions to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, as their terms completed at this meeting.

At the recommendation of the Board’s Governance Committee and Nominations and Community Relations Subcommittee, the Board recommended and the Members appointed nine new members to NOSM’s Board of Directors:

• Dr. Alexandre Anawati
• Dr. Michel Bedard
• Lucy Bonanno
• Lori Flinders
• Derek Handley
• Nancy Jacko
• Solomon Mamakwa
• Dr. William McCready
• Joy Warkentin

In accordance with Board policy regarding Officers of the Corporation, Dr. Moira McPherson, Provost and Vice President Academic of Lakehead University, was reconfirmed as Chair of the Board and Dr. Pierre Zundel, Vice President, Academic and Provost of Laurentian University, was confirmed as Vice-Chair.  Angèle Brunelle was also reappointed as a Board Member.

This meeting marks a milestone for the NOSM Board. The appointment of the nine new members concludes a three-year transition process that involved modifying the Board’s size and composition. Comprised of 19 directors, the new structure gives priority to the recruitment of a variety of skills, expertise and experience amongst Board members, while still reflecting the geographic and demographic diversity of Northern Ontario, including Indigenous, Francophone, and rural/remote communities. The nine new members who joined the Board at this meeting were chosen from 32 qualified applicants.

The audited financial statements for the year ending April 30, 2016 were approved as presented, and the Board approved that BDO Canada LLP be appointed as auditors for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2017.

At the meeting, Board Chair Dr. Moira McPherson congratulated Dr. Roger Strasser, NOSM’s Dean, on behalf of the Board’s Executive Committee, on achieving his performance goals of 2015/2016. “The continued success of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine as a whole is a result of the dedication of Dean Strasser, as well as the hard work of the School’s teams of staff and faculty members,” she said. “The Executive Committee commends the Dean for his efforts and accomplishments last year, and looks forward to a successful 2016/2017 year.”

Prior to the official Board meeting, all members were invited to an orientation that included an overview of governance, technology, and communications at NOSM, as well as to participate in tours of the medical school buildings at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and Laurentian University in Sudbury.

The next Board of Directors meeting will be held in Sudbury on November 24 and 25, 2016.

For a complete list of Board members, please visit our website at nosm.ca.