Sherbrooke, Quebec, December 19, 2006 The Honourable
Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of
Canada Economic Development, today announced the awarding of
$9,908,550 in non-repayable funding to the Centre de technologies
avancées Inc. (CTA), an advanced technology centre allying the
Université de Sherbrooke and Bombardier Recreational Products
(BRP). This project will help reinforce the technological leadership and
competitiveness of BRP and of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
operating in the recreational products sector, while enabling the industry as a
whole to better deal with growing competition from Asia.
The establishment of the CTA is expected to result in 20 or so projects
during the first five years of operation, some of them centering on the
development of new environmental technologies, such as the design of parts or
components for use in equipment that is less polluting, quieter or that relies
on low-emission energy sources.
The only one of its kind, this state-of-the-art facility will consolidate
technological, scientific and industrial knowledge and know-how under one roof.
This innovative formula is expected to foster strong synergy among the partners
and strengthen knowledge-based competitive advantages, while forging solid links
among the academic, university research and industrial communities.
"By partnering the Université de Sherbrooke with Bombardier
Recreational Products, this advanced technology centre promises to be a
particularly innovative and future-building initiative. It will open the door to
higher-skilled workers, better-equipped suppliers and products that will
enhance our quality of life. Moreover, this project confirms the new Government
of Canada's commitment to improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions," stated Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn.
Through its research, the Centre will serve as a lever to build strategic
capacity for the development and marketing of knowledge that is solidly based on
industry needs. It will also have an impact on ensuring succession and keeping
young graduates in the region by increasing the capacity of the workforce and
improving the competitiveness of partner SMEs.
This project coincides with the objectives of Canada s
new government to make the Canadian economy more globally competitive, and is
entirely in line with the "Development of the Technological Capability of the
Regions" priority of Canada Economic Development's Regional Strategic Initiatives
(RSI)
program. This funding from the Agency is conditional upon the CTA's
compliance with the provisions of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
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Sources:
Lyne MontpellierCommunicationsCanada Economic
DevelopmentTel.:
1-800-567-8637E-mail: lyne.montpellier@dec-ced.gc.ca
Roxane MarchandPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable
Jean-Pierre BlackburnCanada Economic
DevelopmentTel.: 819-953-2806Cell.: 613-816-5094E-mail: roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
