Harper Government Supports Business Growth with Investment in Applied Research and Development at Sault College

News Release

March 3, 2015 — Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario — Industry Canada/FedNor

MP Bryan Hayes (Sault Ste. Marie) was joined today by the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State for Science and Technology, to announce, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), an investment in support of research and development to benefit the region's manufacturing companies.

A FedNor investment of $490,000 will enable Sault College to carry out industry-led applied research and development projects. More precisely, the funding will be used to purchase and install six industrial robots and related software, and three portable, pre-engineered robotics cells specifically designed for robotic training purposes, for the college's new robotics laboratory. In addition, the college will hire a Robotics Coordinator for a two-year period to lead the robotics laboratory and create partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises to address their business innovation needs.

Quick Facts

The Sault Ste. Marie region is home to approximately 97 manufacturing companies and Sault College is committed to growing its established Applied Research Centre (ARC) to meet the community's applied research needs.
The funding announced today is provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
Since 2006, through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, the Harper Government has invested $343 million in support of more than 1,645 projects. These investments have supported more than 21,500 jobs throughout Northern Ontario.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to partner with Sault College to support innovative solutions that help local manufacturers improve processes and increase productivity. This strategic investment will help create jobs, strengthen the regional economy and positions Northern Ontario for long-term prosperity and growth.”
- Bryan Hayes
Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

“Under our Government's updated Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy, creating strong partnerships between colleges and businesses is a key commitment to ensuring Canadian businesses innovate to remain competitive on global markets. Today's investment in cutting edge robotics technology at Sault College will help local manufacturers improve products and processes while training the next generation of highly skilled workers.”
- Ed Holder
Minister of State (Science and Technology)

“Sault College is proud to partner with the government of Canada through FedNor to help bring the College toward a more sustainable applied research and development model and to help us meet industry needs. We've received strong community support and this funding increases our capacity to offer specialized programs in robotics. This investment will position the College to become a certified training centre for industry, the region and beyond.”
- Dr. Ron Common
President, Sault College

Associated Links

To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor.

Contacts

Alexandra Lemieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Greg Rickford
613-996-2007
Alexandra.Lemieux@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca

Carol Deguire
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-255-6119 / 877-333-6673 Ext 304

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Harper Government Supports Business Growth with Investment in Applied Research and Development at Sault College

News Release

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