WELLAND – MPP Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) released the following statement on the Ontario government’s investment in Norgen Biotek to ramp up production of COVID-19 test kits, following a letter of introduction from MPP Burch sent Monday:

“We should be investing in made-in-Ontario COVID-19 tests, PPE and whatever else we need to weather the pandemic. I am pleased that Norgen is receiving this investment – it means more jobs for our community and more protection for all Ontarians.

While today’s announcement is welcome news, I will continue to push for Ford to expand the scope of Norgen’s license in order to process symptomatic tests. Currently it only allows for processing asymptomatic test kits.

Investing in Niagara businesses pays off in dividends. It means job creation, homegrown innovation and building capacity for our future. I will always advocate for smart investment in good manufacturing jobs in Niagara.”