Rimouski, Quebec, February 15, 2007 The Honourable
Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of
Canada Economic Development, today announced the awarding of
$180,975 in non-repayable funding to the Incubateur d'entreprises en
technologies de la mer à Rimouski, a marine technology incubator, to support
the delivery of start-up and guidance services to new enterprises operating in
marine science and technology-related fields.
"The fruit of local partnership, this structuring initiative is in line with
the many efforts devoted in recent years in Bas-Saint-Laurent to diversifying
the region's economic fabric and drawing on innovation as a means of securing
value-added marine resources. The maritime sector plays an important role in the
development of the Rimouski area, particularly in terms of research and
training. In supporting the establishment of this incubator, Canada's new
government is reiterating its support of Bas-Saint-Laurent's determination to be
a key player in the Canadian marine industry," stated
Minister Blackburn.
This funding granted to the Incubateur d'entreprises en technologies de la
mer à Rimouski reflects the commitment of Canada's new government to
fostering the emergence of initiatives that respond to the specific needs of the
various regions of Quebec. It results from a thorough analysis of the issues,
the determination of priorities, the mobilization of partners and stakeholders
and the establishment of a plan of action involving various instruments of
intervention.
The president of the Incubateur d'entreprises en technologies de la mer
à Rimouski, Marc-André Saint-Amand, said he is extremely pleased
to receive this support from Canada Economic Development. "This
substantial contribution will allow us to set up a new tool to help support
business start-ups in the niche of excellence we have created in the marine
science sector," he commented.
Among other benefits, this incubator will encourage networking among research
institutessuch as the Marine Biotechnology Research Centre (MBRS) and
Innovation maritime, institutions of higher learning and the incubated
enterprises, thereby occupying a critical place in technological innovation at
the junction between applied research and commercialization.
Moreover, by facilitating the establishment and development of marine
technology firms, the incubator will have a considerable impact on the growth of
the Bas-Saint-Laurent marine sector. Indeed, four new enterprises will be
created over the next two years, and as many as 15 new firms,
providing employment to some 75 people, could be established over the next
five years.
"By combining the fostering of innovation with the transmission of knowledge,
this new collective asset is sure to help stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit
of Rimouski's maritime sector," Minister Blackburn concluded.
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Sources:
Claudie LamontagneCommunicationsCanada Economic DevelopmentTel.:
418-722-3282 E-mail: claudie.lamontagne@dec-ced.gc.ca
Roxane MarchandPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Jean-Pierre
BlackburnCanada Economic Development Tel.: 819-953-5646Cell.:
613-816-5094E-mail: roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
