July 29, 2015 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced an investment of $2.3 million for two projects at the University of Manitoba to support innovation in Western Canada.
With federal funding of $1.8 million, the University of Manitoba’s Technology Transfer Office will lead a pan-western consortium of Western Canadian Innovation Offices (WCIO) that will address the issues identified by industry in the West. Through this consortium, academic institutions and other research-based organizations from across the West will partner to collaboratively drive opportunities for innovation and research.
At the Engineering Faculty, an investment of $500,000 will support the testing of hydrokinetic turbines for global marine renewable energy markets. The Faculty will use funds to develop and calibrate new tools, systems and technologies to test prototype hydrokinetic turbines in fast rivers in Manitoba, as well as marine tides off the coast of Vancouver Island. Through this innovative work, new commercialization opportunities will be developed for the global marine energy market.
Quick Facts
- The WCIO Consortium will create a database that will serve as a resource to record the research and development that has been done, and is in progress, at various western post-secondary institutions. This information will be used to facilitate partnerships with industry, resulting in new research projects that will generate economic activity in Western Canada.
- Hydrokinetic turbines are being developed with new design concepts and require testing to measure how river and ocean sediment and debris impact turbine performance and power levels before they can be sold in Canada and on the global market.
Quotes
“Our Government is proud to support the unique work being done by the University of Manitoba. Today’s investments speak to the talent of the faculty and researchers of all project partners and our support will help drive commercial opportunities that will create jobs and growth while bringing new products and services to market.”
- The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification
“Our Government is committed to bringing some of the world-class research conducted here in Manitoba from the lab to the marketplace. By supporting the work being accomplished at the University of Manitoba, our Government is helping to strengthen our region’s capacity for innovation while creating jobs and economic growth.”
- Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre
“I congratulate Drs. Bibeau and Fast on their success in garnering these funds. The projects they are leading though different, each involve meeting industry needs as key components, which will result in benefits to the economy of Western Canada.”
- Dr. Digvir Jayas, Vice-President (Research and International), University of Manitoba
Additional Links
Contacts
Nicholas Insley
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 613-954-1042
Email: nicholas.insley@wd-deo.gc.ca
Lorne Pelletier
Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 204-510-7659
Email: lorne.pelletier@wd-deo.gc.ca
Janine Harasymchuk
Client Relations Coordinator
Office of the VP (Research & International)
University of Manitoba
Telephone: 204-474-7300
Email: janine.harasymchuk@umanitoba.ca
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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