ST. JOHN'S, Dec. 8, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada is investing in research and development in our natural resource sectors to support our economy and protect our environment for future generations.
Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John's East, on behalf of Canada's Natural Resources Minister, Jim Carr, today announced an investment of $1.39 million for two projects to enhance marine incident prevention and responsiveness in Canada's oceans. The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Newfoundland and Labrador's Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, also announced provincial funding.
Through its Oil Spill Response Science (OSRS) program, the Government of Canada provided $991,500 to C-CORE, a St. John's–based research and development company, to increase the efficiency of existing mechanical oil recovery systems for heavy oil products in harsh, cold environments. Minister Coady announced a provincial government investment of $428,500 to the project. MP Whalen also announced $400,000 for a University of Toronto project that will develop a foam filtration system for use in oil spills.
The OSRS is a four-year, $5-million program aimed at improving the technologies and processes for recovering or removing heavy oil products from marine environments, in the unlikely event of a spill.
Our government recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and will continue to invest in clean technology and drive clean growth.
Quotes
"Environmental responsibility is a condition of Canada's economic success. It is essential we protect our oceans while we develop our resources. As Canada transitions to a low-carbon future, investments in clean technology are building a stronger economy, creating new, middle-class jobs and driving sustainable prosperity."
Nick Whalen
Member of Parliament for St. John's East
"Our government is proud to support C-CORE in this valuable research, and I commend them on putting together the strong research team they have assembled for this important work. This project has economic benefit and relevance to the Newfoundland and Labrador marine and offshore energy industry and aims to provide an effective and practical solution for an oil spill incident."
Siobhan Coady
Minister of Natural Resources
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
"This project leverages C-CORE's expertise in analytical modelling, computer simulation and large-scale physical tests to assess and optimize technology performance in harsh environments. We're very grateful to have the support of our federal and provincial governments for R&D that will help protect our pristine and valuable oceans and coastlines."
Mark MacLeod
President and CEO, C-CORE
"Through the Institute for Water Innovation (IWI), our professors and students are addressing the world's most pressing challenges and commercializing their research. Our forthcoming Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship, in which IWI will be housed, will further enable this work by providing a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment that will set a new standard for engineering research and education."
Ramin Farnood
Vice-Dean, Research, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, University of Toronto
Related Links
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/funding/icg/19774
https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/oceans-protection-plan.html
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
Alexandre Deslongchamps, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-292-6837; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100, [email protected]
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