Opening of R&D Arm of Alberta-Based Ceapro Inc.

Speaking Points

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, PC, MP
Minister of State (Science and Technology)

Charlottetown, PEI
June 21, 2010

Check Against Delivery

Thank you for the warm introduction. My thanks to the National Research Council Canada (NRC) for holding this event today.

Minister Shea, Minister Webster, Mr. Fielder, Mr. Francis, distinguished guests.

It is a pleasure to be back here in Charlottetown and to bring good news about our government's support for innovation in Canada and, more specifically, in this community.

As you know, three years ago, Prime Minister Stephen Harper launched Canada's Science and Technology Strategy. Our goal was to improve the quality of life of Canadians, create jobs and strengthen the economy for future generations. We also made a commitment to help universities develop, attract and retain the world's best researchers here in Canada.

Our government has made significant new investments in science and research in the last five federal budgets. It is estimated that federal government spending on science and technology reached $10.7 billion in fiscal year 2009–2010.

Canada now leads the G7 in research and development performed in the higher education sector as a percentage of gross domestic product.

I want to say to the researchers and scientists here today that your work is changing the lives of Canadians and people around the world for the better. Our government is proud of your efforts and of the differences you make.

Today, I am proud to be joined by my colleague the Honourable Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea, to announce that the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, is investing $50,000 in Ceapro Inc. These funds from ACOA's Business Development Program will help the company as it establishes its east coast R&D operations here in Charlottetown.

Ceapro will work in close collaboration with the National Research Council to undertake sophisticated scientific assays on natural products. This research will provide information to help Ceapro Inc. further its market and develop new indicators for the company's existing products and future ones it will produce.

Today's announcement is also possible due to the Government of Canada's investment in NRC's Technology Cluster Initiatives, as the Industry Partnership Facility where Ceapro is opening its R&D branch is funded through these cluster initiatives.  As Rory mentioned earlier, the Government of Canada is a strong proponent of technology clusters. Budget 2010 included $135 million to be provided over the next two years to continue to build on the success of NRC's technology cluster initiatives in developing networks of innovative businesses, NRC scientists, and communities.

By supporting NRC's clusters, the Government of Canada is supporting the development of dynamic technology-based Canadian firms, who in turn generate jobs and contribute to Canada's global competitiveness.

Ceapro is a prime example of Canadian ingenuity and the strength of collaboration. I am very proud to welcome Ceapro to PEI's Bioscience Cluster.  Our government is proud of the work of Canadian innovators and business leaders. It is projects and initiatives like these that help to create more good jobs locally and present opportunities for businesses and researchers across the country.

Welcome to Charlottetown, Ceapro, and my congratulations to everyone involved in this initiative — the federal partners at NRC and ACOA, the Government of PEI, and all the members of the PEI BioAlliance.

Thank you.