Government of Canada promotes innovation for economic growth and jobs in Ontario - Shortlisted superclusters initiatives will energize regional economies and create jobs

Oct. 11, 2017, TORONTO /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to growing the economy and creating middle-class jobs for Canadians by moving forward with the Innovation Superclusters Initiative. The Initiative will leverage a federal investment of up to $950 million to catalyze public-private partnerships in innovative industries across the country.

Superclusters will energize regional economies and help build a skilled workforce, enhance Canada's global competitiveness and create thousands of well-paying jobs for this generation and the next.

Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, continued his cross-country tour to announce the shortlisted applicants to the Superclusters Initiative.

In the West Atrium at MaRS, Minister Bains announced the successful applicants for the Ontario region.

Building an Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster for Canada would supercharge competitiveness by positioning manufacturers as the ultimate tech integrators. It would drive collaboration between the technology and manufacturing sectors to create new solutions, scale production, speed adoption and improve efficiency.

The Clean, Low-energy, Effective, Engaged and Remediated (CLEER) Supercluster would tackle global energy and environmental challenges to transform Canada's mining sector and position the country as a global leader in clean resources, clean technology and responsible sourcing of metals.

Of more than 50 proposals, involving over 1,000 firms and 350 other participants, nine have been shortlisted and up to five will be selected as Canada's new superclusters.

The Innovation Superclusters Initiative is a centrepiece of the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan, which is preparing Canada for a changing economy.

Quote

"Our government's Innovation Superclusters Initiative has started conversations and created solid partnerships between government, the private sector, academia and communities. In today's knowledge-based economy, this collaboration is essential. Together, we are building the economy of the future, creating the jobs of today and tomorrow, and gearing up for global success that will benefit all Canadians."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

• Minister Bains is announcing the shortlisted superclusters applicants during a cross-country tour that includes stops in Halifax, Montréal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. In addition, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, will be announcing the shortlisted supercluster for Saskatchewan in Regina on Minister Bains' behalf.
• Superclusters are dense areas of business activity where many of the middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow are created. They attract large and small companies that collaborate with universities, colleges or not-for-profit organizations to turn ideas into solutions that can be brought to market.

Related product

• Backgrounder – Quotes

Associated link

• Innovation Superclusters Initiative

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For further information: Karl W. Sasseville, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home