The Institut technologique de maintenance industrielle at the Cégep de Sept-Îles and the Agence Mamu Innu Kaikusseht (AMIK) to go ahead with research and traceability projects

The Government of Canada is providing funding for two innovative organizations in Sept-Îles on the North Shore

SEPT-ÎLES, QC, May 25, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Government of Canada provides assistance for innovation, scientific research and entrepreneurship. It supports the projects of organizations and businesses that are seeking to increase production capacity and productivity through the acquisition of state-of-the-art technology and equipment and by enhancing existing products and services.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, MP for Québec and Minister of Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announced the awarding of two non-repayable contributions totalling $321,574 to innovative organizations in Sept-Îles.

The Institut technologique de maintenance industrielle (ITMI), an administrative unit of the Cégep de Sept‑Îles, has received $260,700 for a project that aims to strengthen the ITMI's applied research capacities and related activities that foster the enhanced productivity and the optimization of the production processes of North Shore SMEs operating in various fields, including the iron-ore, aluminum, forestry and hydroelectricity sectors.

The ITMI, in its role as the College Centre for the Transfer of Technologies (CCTT), is one of the research units of the Cégep de Sept-Îles. Its mission involves carrying out informational, technical assistance and applied research activities in the area of industrial maintenance for Quebec businesses. The project referred to in this announcement has two components: the application of the "smart factory" concept with a view to making advanced diagnostics with respect to productivity and performance for SMEs in the region; and, the development of specifications for the American Association of Railroads (AAR) standard, including a study of the railway sector value chain, in order to identify the most promising niches and to enable SMEs in the region to access this market.

The Agence Mamu Innu Kaikusseht (AMIK) received $60,874 in financial assistance for its project involving the setting up of a fish and seafood traceability system for the purpose of ensuring access to new markets and enhancing the performance of the fishing industry in Aboriginal communities. The trademark of the products—Keshken, or "first wave" in Innu—certifies four main criteria: authenticity, community support, quality and traceability.

AMIK is made up of seven North Shore Innu communities, comprising over 120 Indigenous fish harvesters and helpers and two fish processing and packing plants that employ almost 200 seasonal workers. The mandate of this non-profit organization includes conservation, sustainable development, support, promotion, and the sharing of knowledge and expertise relating to the exploitation of Aboriginal marine bioresources by its members. Today's project is a pilot project developed in co-operation with fish harvesters in the community of Ekuanitshit, and with the Poissonnerie Fortier fish plant, recently acquired by the Ekuanitshit Band Council. The communities decided to ensure the traceability of two other species: lobster and the green sea urchin.

In the case of both organizations, the funding, provided under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP), will serve primarily to cover operating costs and fees required for the successful delivery of the projects.

CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Quotes

"These two projects highlight the Government of Canada's priorities. Post-secondary institutions are front‑line players that foster excellence in science and research. They create the knowledge and expertise required by the private sector and decision-makers to build a thriving, clean economy. The Government of Canada is also committed to promoting innovation and a spirit of entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities."

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

"By supporting the Institut technologique de maintenance industrielle and the Agence Mamu Innu Kaikusseht (AMIK), the Government of Canada is helping these organizations develop innovative technologies and processes that will benefit North Shore businesses operating in sectors such as fishing, metal processing and forestry. These businesses will thus be able to harness innovation—a significant economic driver and a pillar of growth that benefits communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The ITMI has a number of achievements to its credit in terms of the application of the Industry 4.0 concept, and has asserted itself as a leader in this field in Quebec. It helps North Shore industrial SMEs better understand the value chain, its business opportunities, and its standards and requirements, as well as the steps that need to be taken to comply with them."

Luc Faucher, Director of the ITMI

"Traceability ensures the added value of the Keshken brand and promotes confidence in the seafood supply chain, while at the same time humanizing the fish harvesting occupation. By simply entering the unique code on the Keshken.com site, you will be able to view the complete history of your fish and seafood, and you can even see your fish harvester and send him or her a message!"

Serge Picard, President of the Agence Mamu Innu Kaikusseht

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

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