HAMILTON — The Government of Canada took another step today to establish a premier facility for metals and materials innovation by signing a groundbreaking research agreement with McMaster University. The agreement is related to the upcoming relocation of the CANMET Materials Technology Lab (CANMET–MTL) from Ottawa to Hamilton’s McMaster Innovation Park.
“This research agreement with McMaster University builds on Canada’s proud innovation history and is an important step in establishing a world-class capability for innovation in strategic and commercially important research areas,” said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources. “It includes the development of materials required for clean energy technologies and infrastructure, a field important to help Canada reach its climate change goals. Collaborative partnerships like this one with other universities and stakeholders, will help develop a cluster of expertise, spurring innovation and fostering competitiveness.”
CANMET–MTL is the largest research centre in Canada devoted to metals and materials fabrication, pilot-scale processing and evaluation. The lab’s scientific and technical staff provide materials solutions for Canadian industry in the energy, transportation and metals-manufacturing sectors.
McMaster University President, Peter George, said the synergies that will result from the relocation cannot be overstated. “The proximity of CANMET–MTL to our research community and facilities will build a critical mass of expertise that is without parallel,” he said, adding that “the collaborative research and development agreement guarantees Hamilton’s status as a world-class materials innovation centre and will help guide the next generation of research scientists.”
The relocation project includes a budget of $40 million for laboratory construction and equipment and $6 million per year for operational expenses. Construction is almost complete, and staff relocation will begin in spring 2010.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada, a collaborative research agreement with McMaster University was announced today by Natural Resources Minister Christian Paradis. The agreement will provide learning and research opportunities in advanced metals and materials fabrication.
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