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Economic recovery will be green in Gaspésie region

Press Release

From: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Government of Canada grants $1,478,839 to assist Nergica to go green and helps maintain four jobs.

Gaspé, Quebec, March 1, 2021 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The environment and clean technologies will be key elements in Canada’s economic recovery. Issues related to the fight against climate change were obviously very present before COVID-19, but the pandemic represents a unique opportunity to increase the pace of the green transition. Sustainable business practices and clean technologies can help SMEs offer products of equal or higher quality using fewer resources and less energy and generating less waste. Businesses and organizations have much to gain from putting into place environmental measures that will enable them to maintain their competitiveness and mitigate future climate impacts, while also meeting the growing global demand for clean technologies.

Clean technology projects for a strong economy

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue, accompanied by the Honourable David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED, today announced non-repayable contributions totalling $1,478,839 for Nergica to complete two projects.

With $1,050,000 in support, the organization will be able to begin by structuring, maintaining and developing Quebec’s photovoltaic solar energy industry and boosting innovation in this field. CED’s contribution will focus on the salaries of four resources allocated to innovation and technology transfer in the solar field, operating expenses, and the costs of developing the industry and business network in Canada and abroad. To strengthen its ability to assist businesses around innovation and technology transfer, Nergica is also receiving $428,839 to acquire and install applied research equipment.

Founded in 2000, Nergica is a research centre that stimulates renewable energy innovation in Canada. Since 2007, it has been affiliated with the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles and has held the status of a college centre for technology transfer (CCTT) in wind energy, in addition to being recognized as a Canadian Technology Access Centre (TAC). Since 2017, its expertise has also included solar energy. Its interventions with SMEs and Indigenous communities, among others, target technology adaptation, technical support, the integration of Quebec businesses into supply chains and the organization of networking events.

The Government of Canada has set itself the objective to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Climate-friendly measures have also been defined as the cornerstone of a plan aimed at supporting and creating millions of jobs across the country. Through this assistance, the Government of Canada is attesting to its willingness to build a more competitive, more productive and greener economy.

Quotes

“CED fosters the entrepreneurial spirit, even more so when our entrepreneurs’ ingenuity and know‑how lead to the development and marketing of green technologies. Innovation is at the heart of CED’s priorities, and we proudly support projects such as those by Nergica. By leveraging these innovative projects, we are also investing in the well-being of future generations.”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue

“The Government of Canada has made concrete commitments to demonstrate that a strong economy and a healthy environment go hand in hand. Among other actions, we are making strategic investments in clean technologies. By helping SMEs in the Gaspésie region and across Quebec to become more innovative and competitive and by boosting innovation to develop greener technologies and products, we are also preparing Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED

“The climate crisis remains one of the greatest challenges of our time. It is therefore essential to encourage organizations such as Nergica to help businesses develop more environmentally friendly processes and products, while also enhancing their competitive advantages and perspectives for the future. In addition to driving our industries’ competitiveness and economic growth, reducing our ecological footprint is helping to build healthier communities.”

The Honourable David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Quick facts

  • The clean technology sector represents 3.2% of Canada’s GDP and accounts for 317,000 jobs across the country. Over 850 clean tech businesses are helping to position Canada as the top G20 country and fourth country globally on the Global Cleantech Innovation Index.
  • The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, is also the minister responsible for the six regional development agencies (RDAs), including CED.
  • CED’s minimum target for investments in clean technologies in 2019-2020 was $25M. This target was greatly exceeded, with nearly $42M invested in 161 projects aimed at improving environmental performance, using less energy-intensive technologies or developing technologies to reduce businesses’ environmental footprint.
  • Funds have been granted under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. Through this program, CED supports emerging and well-established sectors aiming, among other things, to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and atmospheric pollutants.
  • CED is a key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow’s economy.

Associated links

Information

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
dec.media.ced@canada.ca

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca

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