Gaspé, Quebec, March 16, 2011 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced the awarding of $1,994,332 in non-repayable funding to the Wind Energy TechnoCentre. The organization will use this financial assistance, which is to be allocated over a two-year period, to pursue its mission to further the development of a wind energy sector that is competitive on a North American and global scale.
"Faithful to its mission, the Government of Canada is doing everything to see to it that enterprises in the wind energy sector have the kind of conditions that are conducive to their growth. Thanks to this financial assistance, the Wind Energy TechnoCentre will be able to ensure these enterprises have access to leading-edge equipment and consulting and guidance services," explained Minister of State Lebel.
The only Quebec establishment with expertise in wind power in nordic climates, the Wind Energy TechnoCentre is a considerable asset for Gaspésie in that it enables the region to attract new investment and businesses. Equipped with a research and development centre and extensive specialized know-how, the TechnoCentre assists the sector's enterprises in developing, testing and commercializing their innovative products and processes here and around the world. Founded in 2000, this non-profit organization works in close collaboration with Quebec universities and CEGEPs and helps recruit and train wind energy researchers and specialists.
"Canada Economic Development believes in the importance of funding the wind energy industrial cluster, a pole of excellence in Gaspésie and Îles-de-la-Madeleine, because it is a major source of employment and wealth," the Minister of State Lebel added.
Since 2006, Canada Economic Development has invested nearly $8.5 million in the Wind Energy TechnoCentre. This latest financial contribution has been awarded through the Business and Regional Growth program, an initiative aimed at helping enterprises improve their performance, become more competitive and engage in more innovation.
For more on the Wind Energy TechnoCentre, visit www.eolien.qc.ca.
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Sources:
Karina Gagnon
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-368-6048
E-mail: karina.gagnon@dec-ced.gc.ca
Benoît Fortin
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-997-3319
E-mail: benoit.fortin@dec-ced.gc.ca
