CERMIM continues to grow and develop

The Government of Canada awards more than $1M in financial assistance to the Centre de recherche sur les milieux insulaires et maritimes

MAGDALEN ISLANDS, QC, May 21, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Located in the Magdalen Islands and affiliated with the Université du Québec à Rimouski, the Centre de recherche sur les milieux insulaires et maritimes [Research Center for Island and Maritime Studies] (CERMIM) is a highly innovative non-profit organization whose mission is to support sustainable development of environments under specific constraints, through applied research, training and knowledge and technology transfers. With a view to developing the circular economy, CERMIM has developed expertise in the recovery of residual materials. To enhance the pursuit of its activities, it will receive a non‑repayable contribution of $1,050,000 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. With this financial assistance, CERMIM will be able to strengthen its innovation and technology transfer capabilities and thus be able to support the environmental performance and growth of the companies it serves.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue, announced that funding today. The Government of Canada's assistance will be used more specifically to set up a pilot plant in the new heavy industrial area adjacent to the sorting centre. This facility will enable CERMIM to conduct research and development, demonstration, validation and testing related to the recovery of residual materials. The implementation of the pilot plant includes the installation and optimization of temporary facilities and the acquisition of specialized equipment such as a crusher and drying equipment. As for setting up test beds to demonstrate the processes developed, this includes purchasing material, leasing machinery and obtaining certain technical expertise.

With a view to adapting to climate change through the search for innovative alternative solutions, CED's contribution is thus enabling the official start-up of the Béton vert project. This includes the recovery of marine co-products and dredged sediments in the island context through the manufacture of engineered rocks to counter coastal erosion. This initiative is made possible by the industrial partnership developed by CERMIM with CTMA (Dragage I.M), Les Fruits de mer Madeleine, LA Renaissance, Option béton Inc. and Techn'Îles. The project also includes the participation of the Communauté maritime des Îles-de-la-Madeleine, the Université de Sherbrooke (Faculty of Civil Engineering), and the École nationale supérieure des mines – Télécom Lille Douai (France).

Communities need to focus on innovation to diversify strategically and develop sustainable regional competitive advantages. A true economic driver, innovation is the key to success because it generates the growth that businesses and communities benefit from. That is why the Government of Canada is ensuring that businesses have adequate resources to create and commercialize innovative products.

Quotes
"I am delighted with the support of the Government of Canada that chooses to focus on the innovation capacity and the desire to progress of CERMIM. In a constantly changing market CERMIM's team and its various partners are setting themselves apart and make a difference for the Îles-de-la-Madeleine community. Their drive, boldness and innovative spirit contribute to the region's economic vitality."

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

"Our government is empowering Canadians to become more competitive and to prosper in the global economy. The investment in the CERMIM announced today aligns with Canada's competitive advantages through the organization's innovative project and will stimulate economic growth. It will also create good jobs for middle-class Canadians."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"We are honoured by the confidence shown today in the CERMIM, which will enable us to be better equipped to meet exciting challenges with our partners like those proposed by the Béton vert project. CED's contribution will allow us to continue our growth while showcasing the service and expertise that the CERMIM can offer in the face of the challenges faced by communities like ours."

Marc-Olivier Massé, Associate Director, CERMIM – Business Development

Quick facts
Today's announcement is made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which comprises 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.

The funding was awarded under CED's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. This program is intended for entrepreneurs who focus on innovation for growing their company and making it more competitive, and for regional economic players that help create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and to growth for all, in all regions.

To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the 2019-2020 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]