Government of Canada Stimulates World-Class R&D

Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence solve problems, advance innovation and create jobs

• Press Release
• Source: Government of Canada
• On 12:30 pm EST, Wednesday January 7, 2009

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(MARKET WIRE)--Jan 7, 2009 -- The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) today announced the establishment of new Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-Networks).

"I congratulate the successful applicants to the recent competition for BL-Networks," said Minister Goodyear. "Our Government's most important priority is to create the conditions that help Canadian families and businesses weather the current economic storm. Research and development creates jobs, improves the quality of life of all Canadians and builds a more diverse and resilient economy over the long-term. That's why we are proud to support these world-class organizations."

BL-Networks are large-scale, collaborative research networks led by the private sector and focussed on specific business research needs. The minister announced that the Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN) in Ottawa will receive a contribution of $11.8 million over four years. More information on this network is provided in the attached backgrounder.

The BL-Networks program is a key commitment of Canada's Science and Technology Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage, announced in May 2007. Through Budgets 2007 and 2008, this Government has invested significantly in support of the S&T strategy's objectives to build a stronger future for Canadian families and businesses.

The program is administered by the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Secretariat. Launched in 1989, the NCE is an initiative of the three federal granting agencies-the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR)-in partnership with Industry Canada.

"The NCE program is proud to be a part of the Government's vision for a more prosperous, advanced and competitive Canada," said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, Chair of the NCE Steering Committee and President of NSERC. "These new BL-Networks will work on important, multifaceted Canadian problems while bringing the very best ideas to the marketplace. We look forward to helping them achieve their maximum potential and impact."

The total funding requested by the successful applicants came to $39.2 million. Information on the other projects will be announced shortly.

     Contacts:
     Office of the Minister of State (Science and Technology)
     Gary Toft
     Director of Communications
     613-943-7599
      
     Networks of Centres of Excellence
     Natasha Gauthier
     Communications Manager
     613-996-0390
     613-668-0214 (cell)