Governments of Canada and Quebec support the Centre d'innovation minière de la MRC des Sources

Innovation for the economic diversification of an entire region

ASBESTOS, QC, June 27, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) 

Communities need to build on innovation to diversify themselves strategically and develop lasting regional competitive advantages.

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie and Member of Parliament for Compton–Stanstead, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), and Karine Vallières, Member for Richmond and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier (youth), acting on behalf of Lise Thériault, Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for SMEs, Regulatory Streamlining and Regional Economic Development, announced that financial support has been granted to the Centre d'innovation minière de la MRC des Sources (website in French only).

CED has granted $2,500,000 in the form of a non-repayable financial contribution to start up a centre specializing in pilot-plant processes supporting business innovation projects in mining and industry. The funding was awarded through CED's Canadian Initiative for the Economic Diversification of Communities Reliant on Chrysotile. The purpose is to support economic diversification projects in the Appalaches and Des Sources RCMs. The Government of Quebec invested $87,540 for the feasibility study and the creation of the Centre d'innovation minière through the Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Sources.

The CIMMS was recently created to help businesses develop and refine ore processing techniques in Quebec. It will also provide integrated services supporting business innovation commercialization activities (test beds, scientific and technical expertise and intellectual property management).  

Quotes

"We are proud to have collaborated with the Cégep de Sherbrooke and key local and regional economic development partners on the creation of this major innovation centre for the Des Sources RCM and for the Estrie region. Innovation provides an excellent opportunity for the region's economic growth and diversification in an evolving global economy."

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie and Member of Parliament for Compton–Stanstead

"Innovation will be central to improving lives in Canada and around the world in the face of global trends characterized by disruption and change. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative Canadian businesses. A driving force of the economy, innovation is the key to success, generating growth that benefits businesses and communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"Our government continues to be committed to supporting organizations that invest in promising projects for our regions. Quebec's growth relies on government actions that build on the innovative manufacturing sector and support for entrepreneurship. We are proud to invest in the creation of the Centre d'innovation minière de la MRC des Sources, which is perfectly aligned with these directions."

Lise Thériault, Deputy Minister, Minister responsible for SMEs, Regulatory Streamlining and Regional Economic Development, Minister responsible for the Status of Women and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region

"The Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Sources provides organizations in our region with effective development tools and levers that meet their needs. The Centre d'innovation minière pilot plant is in keeping with the objectives of this fund, attracting new businesses to the region and helping established businesses to innovate by developing new products from such materials as mine tailings, a unique regional asset."

Karine Vallières, Member for Richmond and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier (youth)

"The Centre d'innovation minière de la MRC des Sources is a unique initiative in Quebec. It is innovative in that it uses hydrometallurgy to scale up chemical processes developed in the laboratory, an original technological and environmental process. This project, a solid social and economic development lever for the Des Sources RCM and the Estrie region, was made possible by an outstanding partnership."

François Gouin, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Centre d'innovation minière de la MRC des Sources

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Sources: Clémence Beaulieu Gendron, Press Secretary, Office of the Deputy Premier, Minister responsible for SMEs, Regulatory Streamlining and Regional Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region, Tel.: 418-691‑5650; Jacynthe Bourget, Political Attachée, Constituency Office of the Member for Richmond, Tel.: [phone]; Information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Jean‑Pierre D'Auteuil, Media Relations Officer, Communications Directorate, Ministère de l'Économie, de la Science et de l'Innovation , Tel.: 418-691‑5698, ext. 4868, Cell.: 418-559-0710