Abbotsford’s Innovation Advantage is one of Canada’s Best Kept Secrets
Member of Parliament Ed Fast, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State (Science and Technology) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario), today highlighted significant investments in a number of Abbotsford businesses through the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program and Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program (NRC IRAP/DTAPP).
“Our government is strongly committed to initiatives that support science, technology and the growth of innovative Canadian firms,” said MP Ed Fast. “Abbotsford’s innovative strength is one of Canada’s best kept secrets. These small and medium-sized businesses are critical to the Canadian economy, and our government will continue to put in place the tools that Canadian businesses need to grow, create jobs and secure long-term prosperity.”
MP Ed Fast delivered the remarks at a business roundtable held at BW GLOBAL Inc. one of the recipients of the DTAPP program funding. Fast was on hand to highlight over $840,000 in IRAP/DTAPP funding awarded to nine Abbotsford companies (complete list found below).
“The software and robotic technologies we implemented with the help of DTAPP, allowed us to instantly commercialize a revolutionary, new advanced commercial Greenhouse design,” said Timothy Kendrick, President of BW GLOBAL Structures Inc. “The first prototype is being constructed for the BC School of Agriculture at the University of The Fraser Valley. This technology implementation allows us now to compete globally and to showcase Canadian innovation.”
“We are on track to provide an environmentally beneficial technology solution to the transportation and service industries,” said Steve Zaeri, President of Cool-It Hi-Way Services Inc. one of the companies benefiting from the IRAP funding.
On May 7, 2013, the Government of Canada announced the refocused NRC and outlined how its new structure will be more beneficial to Canadian businesses. NRC provides Canadian industry with access to the strategic research and development, technical services and specialized scientific infrastructure it needs to excel on the global stage. They also work with industry to bridge technology gaps, helping build a more innovative Canadian economy. The funding to these Abbotsford businesses is an example of the kind of research and technology development that NRC will pursue to benefit industry and contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Canada.
Through a refocused NRC, the Government of Canada is ensuring that Canadian firms are able to become even more successful on the global stage. Economic Action Plan 2013 provides $121 million over two years to support the NRC’s strategic focus to help the growth of innovative businesses in Canada. The program will help small and medium-sized enterprises commercialize their products or services more quickly. It will provide them with credit notes to help pay for research, technology and business development services at universities, colleges and other non-profit research institutions of their choice. The new funding will enable hundreds of Canadian businesses to access highly-qualified talent in Canada’s world-class universities and colleges, and help create high-value jobs for Canadians.
