Royal Canin Canada Commits $3 Million for OVC
April 22, 2008 - News Release
The University of Guelph today received a $3-million commitment from Royal Canin Canada Company to establish the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Endowed Chair in Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition and support independent research and graduate scholarships at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).
This first-of-its-kind chair will be held by a faculty member in OVC’s Department of Clinical Studies and the University will conduct an international search for the first chair holder.
"This generous gift is a wonderful example of the importance of private sector-university partnerships," said U of G president Alastair Summerlee. "Royal Canin Canada's investment in an endowed chair allows us to develop the area of feline and canine nutrition."
The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Chair is also an important part of a strategic initiative by U of G to establish new teaching and research chairs across the spectrum of the University's disciplines.
“The application of nutrition in both optimizing health and in the prevention of and management of specific clinical conditions is increasingly important in veterinary practice. As a pet first company we know this investment will have a beneficial impact on the health of dogs and cats,” said Xavier Unkovic, CEO of Royal Canin Canada Company.
“We are extremely proud of the contribution that Medi-Cal / Royal Canin Veterinary Diet has made to the veterinary profession in Canada," said Dr. Brent Matthew, Veterinary Division Director, Royal Canin Canada Company. "Our partnership with the University of Guelph represents a dramatic new commitment to clinical nutrition in Canada.”
OVC Dean Elizabeth Stone said innovative nutritional research is essential to maintain and improve the health of dogs and cats. "We are excited that this innovative new faculty position will help us find answers to important questions about how we should feed our feline and canine companions. In addition, this gift enables us to start a new graduate program in this area."
Royal Canin is a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of high quality, specialized dog and cat foods in the veterinary, pet specialty, and breeder channels. Its headquarters are in France and production operations exist in 10 countries around the world, including a new Canadian plant opening in Guelph in 2008. The company has a comprehensive veterinary exclusive line of diets under the Medi-Cal/Royal Canin Veterinary Diet brand name.
Media contacts
Royal Canin:
Jennifer Brown
613 230-2220, Ext. 227 (office)
613 614-2894 (mobile)
University of Guelph:
Lori Bona Hunt
519 824-4120, Ext. 53338
