Harper Government Kick-Starts Entrepreneurial Business in Quebec City

Government of Canada/Public Works — November 14, 2012

QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Nov. 14, 2012) - Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, is pleased to announce that the Government of Canada has awarded a $381,924 contract to the National Optics Institute for its pre-qualified innovation through the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP).

"Our Government's top priority is the economy and we understand that helping Canadian businesses expand and succeed directly benefits Canadian workers and families by creating jobs and prosperity," said Minister Ambrose. "We are proud to encourage Canada's entrepreneurial spirit by kick-starting Canadian businesses to get their innovative products and services from the lab to the marketplace."

"Strengthening Canada's economy is our number one priority, and this contract award is great news for the workers of the National Optics Institute and the Quebec region," said Mr. Gourde. "I am proud that our Government promotes local innovation and reinforces our region's tremendous entrepreneurial spirit through this successful program."

The National Optics Institute's innovation, the Intelligent Illuminator, automatically detects and tracks subjects of interest while they also remain illuminated. Guarded areas, government buildings, critical facilities and surrounding zones could benefit from automatic illuminating systems, as they increase the level of awareness of the users. Moreover, mobile automatic illuminating systems are ideal for first responders in search and rescue operations, considerably reducing the burden of intensive and lasting surveillance activities.

"This initiative is excellent news for us. The Program will help our company stimulate the local economy. We are very grateful to the Government of Canada for the support it provides to small businesses," said Jean-Yves Roy, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Optics Institute.

Launched in 2010, the CICP has already shown encouraging results, connecting Canadian companies with federal departments and agencies that have a need for innovative products and services. By selling to the federal government, businesses can demonstrate the value of their products and services, and potentially generate future sales to non-federal customers.

To build on the early success of this program, Economic Action Plan 2012 allocated an additional $95 million over three years, starting in 2013-14, and $40 million per year thereafter to make the CICP permanent. The program will include an added military procurement component.

For the complete list of the successful innovations, please refer to the backgrounder.

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Contact Information

Amber Irwin
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
819-997-5421

Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315