TORONTO, Ontario, April 16, 2009 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, announced the establishment of an automotive research fund designed to keep the Canadian auto industry competitive and sustainable.
“Automotive Partnership Canada will enhance our automotive research capacity, fuelling made-in-Canada innovation, increasing our ability to compete internationally and bringing long-term benefits to this important sector,” said Minister Clement. “Our government is investing in research and development (R&D) not only because it will lead to greener, better-performing vehicles, but because it will create jobs and strengthen the economy for future generations.”
The program will support R&D projects in specific areas, including alternative fuels, next-generation manufacturing, advanced power trains and lighter or more sustainable materials. Proposals will be selected through rigorous, independent peer review.
“Engaging industry to this extent will ensure that innovation moves quickly from the lab to the plant to the showroom,” said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, President of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), speaking on behalf of the five funding partners. “We want international automakers to realize that Canadians aren’t just good at building vehicles; we are a great place to conduct leading-edge R&D.”
Automotive Partnership Canada involves funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), National Research Council Canada (NRC), Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), and Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program.
Minister Clement announced $145 million in funding over five years for Automotive Partnership Canada. More information, including the funding breakdown by agency, is provided in the attached backgrounder.
For further information, please contact:
Laryssa Waler
A/Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
Natasha Gauthier
Senior Advisor, Media Relations
NSERC
613-943-8621
613-878-8048 (cell)
