The $276,000 comes from a program run by National Defence. The intent of the program is to strengthen the infrastructure of governmental and non-governmental partners in science, according to National Defence's priorities. In particular, we've taken this money and we're purchasing high-speed scientific equipment to allow for the rapid characterization of food pathogens in our microbiology laboratories across Canada. This will allow for faster results in the event of a food emergency and will support other types of emergencies in Canada.
On November 29th, 2012. See this statement in context.