News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER ATTENDS OPENING OF MAZANKOWSKI ALBERTA HEART INSTITUTE

May 1, 2008
Edmonton, Alberta

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today attended the official opening of the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, a world-class health sciences centre specializing in cardiac patient care, education, and research located at the University of Alberta.

"Building on the University of Alberta Hospital's already sterling reputation for health and heart care excellence, this Institute is attracting top international cardiac doctors and researchers because they know it will rank with the best in the world. That means Albertans and Canadians will be getting quality cardiac care that is second to none, right here in Edmonton," said Prime Minister Harper.

The Mazankowski Institute will provide a full range of heart patient services, with a special focus on complex heart care, such as paediatric cardiac surgery and heart transplantation. The facility will also significantly enhance Canada's cardiovascular research capacity, and serve as a major training centre for the heart specialists of the future.

Included among the centre's state-of-the-art facilities are:

Beds for 124 patients;

Five adult operating rooms;

One dedicated paediatric operating room and catheterization lab;

Two adult cardiac catheterization labs; and

Three electrophysiology labs designed for paediatric and adult patients.

"I'd like to congratulate Premier Stelmach and the Government of Alberta for channelling some of the province's prosperity into a public institution that will benefit not just Albertans, but indeed all Canadians," said the Prime Minister. "Canada now has an outstanding new facility that will play an important role in the global fight against heart disease."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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