Provencher MP, Ted Falk, announced an investment in Herd North America through the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State (Science and Technology) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario).
“Our government is strongly committed to initiatives that support science, technology and the growth of innovative Canadian firms,” said MP Falk. “Like so many small and medium-sized businesses in Manitoba, Herd North America is doing some really innovative work. These businesses are critical to the Canadian economy, and our government will continue to put in place the tools that Canadian businesses need to grow, create jobs and secure long-term prosperity.”
“Our government understands the important role that science and technology plays in laying the groundwork for the industries and jobs of the future,” said Minister of State Rickford. “Science, technology and innovation are drivers of economic progress and key to enhancing prosperity and competitiveness.”
Herd North America will receive up to $210,000 from NRC IRAP to adapt technology to enhance Herd’s competitive edge in the market.
On May 7, 2013, the Government of Canada announced the refocused NRC and outlined how its new structure will be more beneficial to business. NRC will work with industry to bridge technology gaps, helping build a more innovative Canadian economy. This project is an example of the kind of research and technology development that NRC will pursue to benefit industry and contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Canada.
NRC IRAP provides a range of technical and business-oriented advisory services, as well as necessary financial support, to qualified innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in Canada. It engages in cost-shared research and development projects with its clients. Firms helped by NRC IRAP are better equipped to perform basic research and development, commercialize new products and processes, and access new markets.
NRC is a research and technology organization focused on real-world applications and the needs of Canadian businesses. NRC provides Canadian industry with access to the strategic research and development, technical services and specialized scientific infrastructure it needs to excel on the global stage.
Economic Action Plan 2013 is providing $20 million over three years for a new pilot program delivered through NRC IRAP. The program will help SMEs commercialize their products or services more quickly. It will provide them with credit notes to help pay for research, technology and business development services at the universities, colleges and other non-profit research institutions of their choice. The new funding will enable hundreds of Canadian businesses to access the highly qualified talent found in Canada’s world-class universities and colleges and will also help create high-value jobs for Canadians.
The following organizations will also receive funding through IRAP:
- Genuwine Cellars Inc – Winnipeg: $50,000
- Aquatic Life Ltd – Pinawa: $100,000
- SIM Enterprises Ltd – Lowe Farm: $40,000
- Hemp Oil Canada Inc – Ste Agathe: $140,000
- Nelson Environmental Inc – Winnipeg: $50,000
- C.P. Loewen Enterprises Ltd – Steinbach: $25,000
