The Government of Canada is supporting the Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) in its efforts to promote business growth and technology commercialization through an expanded Industry Liaison Office.
Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament for Langley, announced a $100,000 investment today 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.
"Long-term economic prosperity requires vision and leadership," said MP Warawa. "Our government is proud to support the Emily Carr University in its efforts to increase technology commercialization, forge industrial partnerships and drive economic development."
Funding will help ECUAD strengthen its Industry Liaison Office. The newly expanded office will develop and advance opportunities for technology commercialization across a wide range of industries. The initiative will help develop Intellectual Property (IP) policies and procedures, while an increased emphasis on mentoring will provide opportunities for faculty, staff and students to engage in entrepreneurial activities.
It is expected that the Industry Liaison Office will expand and create new partnerships and collaborative projects through an ECU/Industry partnership program and the "Entrepreneur-in-Residence" program launch. Additional outreach activities will include a feasibility study for a corporate affiliate program and a graduate internship placement magazine.
"The visionary decision by the Government of Canada to support the development and growth of our Industry Liaison Office will have a long term and very positive impact not only on our great university, but also on the BC and Canadian economy," said Dr. Ron Burnett, President of Emily Carr University. "We will be able to increase both the number and quality of our internships, partnerships with industry and most importantly technology commercialization. We are deeply grateful for this support."
Founded in 1925, the Emily Carr University for Art and Design has grown from a small art school, into a post-secondary institution with over 1,600 students. Its mission is to develop informed creative artists, designers and media practioners who contribute to Canada's economy and cultural heritage through their creative output and research.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to develop and diversify the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Pierre Floréa
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Tel: (613) 943-1838
Dina Tracy
Communications Administrative Assistant
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Phone: (604) 630-7413
Email: dtracy@eciad.ca
