The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, is helping Camosun College undertake projects that support research, development and technology commercialization in the fields of manufacturing, ocean technologies and athletic performance.
Nearly $1 million in federal funding for these projects was announced today by the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Saanich - Gulf Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification Canada.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support Camosun College in its efforts to enhance research, development and technology commercialization through these projects" said Minister Lunn. "Investments in these areas create high-quality, knowledge-intensive jobs that make our economy more competitive and productive."
The new Vancouver Island Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Prototyping (VICAMP) will receive $486,600 of the federal funding to acquire equipment to help manufacturers on Vancouver Island access advanced manufacturing and testing equipment for rapid prototype development, small batch fabrication, technology evaluation and adoption, process refinement and workforce training.
The Pacific Sport Institute Society will benefit through a contribution of over $450,000 to purchase research and development equipment for the new Centre for Sport Technology Research and Development at Camosun College. The equipment is designed to improve the performance of elite athletes, and include technologies for use by athletes, sport scientists, coaches and trainers.
The third federal investment of $60,000 will support a survey to determine the capacity of the ocean technology sector in southwestern British Columbia, and make recommendations for specific initiatives to accelerate research, development and technology commercialization. The work will include a feasibility study and recommendations for additional initiatives to improve economic outcomes.
"British Columbia believes in supporting research and innovation," said Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell and Minister Responsible for Research and Technology. "We know it provides a long-term contribution to a strong and vibrant economy, a supportive social fabric, a sustainable environment and safe, healthy communities, both within the province, and worldwide."
"WD's support for these three initiatives recognizes the increasingly important role Camosun can and does play in applied research and development across a number of industry sectors. In addition to providing high quality educational programming and learning opportunities to over 12,000 learners annually, our facilities, equipment and expertise contributing greatly to this community's economic growth and development," said Liz Ashton, Camosun's President.
Camosun College, the largest college in British Columbia outside of the Lower Mainland, offers more than 70 diplomas and certificate programs and 300 university transfer courses. In 2007, Camosun College established the Vancouver Island Centre for Manufacturing and Prototyping (VICAMP) to improve the productivity and competitiveness of technology companies in British Columbia. The Centre for Sport Technology Research and Development will be operational in June 2008; technologies developed at the centre will be commercialized for all levels of sport use, elite to recreational and for use in fields such as health, industrial, military and first responders.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with various provinces, industry associations and communities to encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Howes
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-1318
Cell: (604) 505-6616
Susan Haddon
Director, College & Community Relations
Camosun College
Ph: 250-370-4231
Cell: 250-588-9298
email: haddon@camosun.bc.ca
