The Government of Canada supports research promoting the development of forest products with a small environmental footprint

SEREX is awarded $280,000 in financial assistance

AMQUI, QC, March 6, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

There is strong potential for growth in the development of forest products and processes with a small environmental footprint. Focusing on collaborative research with industry members, the Service de recherche et d'expertise en transformation des produits forestiers (SEREX) intends to develop this niche. To maintain momentum, the organization will receive a non-repayable contribution of $280,000 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

This funding, awarded under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program, was announced today by Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. The project is aimed at accelerating the completion of industrial projects to develop products with a small environmental footprint arising from forest resource processing, particularly products made from residual biomass (sawdust, wood chips, bark).

Established in 1998, SEREX is a non-profit organization. Relying on close collaboration between educational institutions and businesses, SEREX benefits from the specialized expertise of technologists, engineers and other specialists, as well as the most sophisticated laboratory equipment in the field. In addition to applied research services, it provides technical assistance and training and also specializes in sustainable chemistry, renewable energy and green construction.

The Government of Canada is committed to stimulating innovation to increase the productivity and long‑term competitiveness of Canadian businesses. Breakthroughs in the development of new manufacturing processes and clean technologies are catalysts for progress and generate growth that benefits businesses and communities.

Quotes

"SEREX focuses on collaborative research with industry members and plays a cutting-edge role in the development of innovative products and processes. We have to build on our competitiveness and maximize our industrial and commercial knowledge by supporting innovation, especially in a region like ours. CED's assistance is intended to tangibly support for the ability of SEREX, a jewel in the Matapedia Valley, to contribute to the biggest breakthroughs in these fields."  

Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"To improve the quality and impact of our innovation support programs, it is essential that the Government of Canada support applied research and entrepreneurship. The funding announced today reflects our desire to support innovative projects that go hand in hand with economic growth and sustainable development."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"With CED's funding, SEREX will be able to accelerate the development of innovative forest resource-based products. The Service relies on synergy between researchers and partners to increase the emergence of forest biomass development projects and the use of wood and wood fibre in manufacturing value-added products." 

Geneviève Morin, Chairwoman of the board, SEREX

Quick facts

• Today's announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which is made up of 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.
• The funding was awarded under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018-2019 Departmental Plan or visit
  www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively participating in regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.

Stay connected

Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

 

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-7443, [email protected]