Support for the Montreal Physics Technologies and Photonics Centre (CEPHOM) Montreal, Quebec, April 26, 2005 -- The Honourable Jacques Saada, Minister of Canada Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Francophonie, today announced $498,840 in financial assistance to the Montreal Physics Technologies and Photonics Centre (CEPHOM). CEPHOM supports optics/photonics firms in their innovation projects. The Government of Canada's contribution will provide substantial support for the development of the information and communications technologies (ICT) sector, very important to the economy of the Montreal area. "In a context of very stiff competition from Asian countries, CEPHOM can make a difference by helping local firms develop competitive products and processes and keeping high value added activities here. CEPHOM has everything it takes to make Quebec a world-class centre of excellence in optics/photonics," stated Mr. Saada. CEPHOM promotes the transfer of technology, skills and knowledge among optics/photonics firms. With a laboratory meeting the highest industry standards, CEPHOM has the expertise and technical capacity to strengthen innovative businesses and make them more competitive in the international marketplace. "We are very pleased that CEPHOM's project, initiated by the André-Laurendeau and John Abbott CEGEPS, is receiving funding from the federal government. This contribution is important for the development of our organization by helping us fulfil our mission, which is to promote the implementation of optics/photonics technologies in all Quebec enterprises and to support businesses in this sector improve their productivity," stated Pierre Thibault, Director of CEPHOM. Canada Economic Development's mandate is to promote the economic development of the regions of Quebec. Primarily through financial assistance programs, the Agency elicits and supports the implementation of economic development projects. The two priorities the Agency has set itself are to foster innovation and the knowledge economy in each region of Quebec, and to help communities that are having difficulty adjusting to the new economy. In this way, the Agency contributes to the attainment of the Government of Canada's objective of building the 21st Century economy. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget. - 30 - Sources: Suzanne ThébargeCommunicationsCanada Economic DevelopmentTel.: 514 283-8012E-mail: suzanne.thebarge@dec-ced.gc.caDaniel DezaindePress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Jacques SaadaCanada Economic DevelopmentTel.: 514 496-1282
