A cutting-edge scientific facility has opened in North Saanich, setting a new standard for plant health science and strengthening Canada's trade and agriculture sectors.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) new  (IY,NONET, AUTW E TTE SJESENENEC) is Canada鈥檚 only post-entry quarantine, research and diagnostic facility for virus testing of grapevines, fruit-bearing trees and small fruit.

CFIA president Paul MacKinnon says the centre plays a critical role in national plant protection and trade.

鈥淪tate-of-the-art laboratories, greenhouses and equipment support the important work of our scientists and strengthen the centre's ability to meet the needs of Canada's agriculture sector."

The centre's virus testing and elimination efforts will enhance the sustainability of the country's vineyards, orchards, and berry farms, thereby strengthening the farming sector, which contributes billions to the national economy.

Testing for regulated plant diseases will improve Canada's ability to detect these illnesses sooner and more accurately. Plant quarantine wait times may be shortened which may help speed up regulatory approvals and allow Canadian businesses to move their products more quickly and affordably.

Scientists from the CFIA and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will work together to complete the centre's tasks under Laboratories Canada.

Centre for Plant Health is also the first CFIA property named after an Indigenous language, reflecting a meaningful and long-term relationship with the WSANEC peoples.

The new centre showcases artwork by local First Nations artists including metal panels, a carving, a handcrafted paddle, and a totem pole.

鈥淭hese pieces recognize the value and importance of Indigenous knowledge in plant health science and symbolize the links between the work of the Centre for Plant Health with the traditional uses of the site by Coast Salish peoples,鈥� CFIA said.

The facility, built by Public Services and Procurement Canada on behalf of the CFIA, is located on the traditional territory of the Tsartlip, Tseycum, Tsawout, Pauquachin and Malahat First Nations.