Minister MacKay and MP Armstrong Announce Investments in Jobs and Clean Technology Projects in Atlantic Canada

PARRSBORO, NS, April 15, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced investments totalling over $8 million for two clean technology projects in Nova Scotia, which will support jobs, economic growth and the environment. The projects announced today are benefiting from the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan investment in Sustainable Development Technology Canada's (SDTC) SD Tech Fund.

OpenHydro Technology Canada will receive $6,353,000 for the Bay of Fundy Tidal Stream Project. The project, which is situated at the FORCE facility in the Bay of Fundy, is composed of an array of turbines that will simulate the cost and performance of a commercial tidal farm in harsh conditions. The unique site has the potential to supply thousands of homes with clean and renewable power by harnessing its tidal energy.

Green Power Labs Inc. in Dartmouth will receive $1,700,000 to develop an advanced building energy management system, which will use high-resolution climate forecasts to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings. Through the use of enhanced predictive building control systems for heating and cooling, this project will improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Quick Facts

• Canada possesses one of the cleanest electricity mixes in the world with just under two-thirds of its electricity coming from renewable sources – the highest in the G7.
• In 2013, Canada was the second fastest growing clean energy market in the G20.
• Canada's per-capita GHG emissions are now among their lowest level since tracking began.
• In 2013, the Government of Canada announced $325 million over eight years in support for Sustainable Development Technology Canada for advanced research projects resulting in a cleaner environment.
• As of December 2013, SDTC's SD Tech Fund™ has supported 269 projects with $684 million allocated by the federal government.
• 57 of the more mature companies supported by SDTC have received $2.5 billion in follow-on financing as of December 2013, meaning that for every dollar invested by Canada in these companies the marketplace has responded with $14 of private capital.
• The SD Tech Fund™ supports projects that address climate change, air quality, clean water and clean soil, providing solutions to key Canadian industries that increase efficiency and enhance environmental responsibility.

Quotes

"Our government is positioning Canada as a global leader in the clean technology sector by supporting innovative projects aimed at growing our economy while contributing to a cleaner environment. By developing our resources responsibly and advancing clean energy technology, the projects announced today will create jobs and improve innovation opportunities in Atlantic Canada and across Canada."
The Honourable Peter MacKay
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"The investments announced today demonstrate our government's commitment to environmental stewardship and creating high-quality jobs in Nova Scotia. By supporting advanced research and technology, we are investing in Canadian prosperity and a cleaner environment." 
Scott Armstrong
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister of Labour

"The projects announced today are great examples of the Canadian clean tech initiatives and true entrepreneurship that drive SDTC's portfolio. By supporting these innovative technologies, SDTC is investing in efficiency and environmental performance, which translates into a cleaner environment. We look forward to working with these companies to get their products to market successfully."
Jane Pagel
Acting CEO of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)

"We are extremely grateful to Sustainable Development Technology Canada for supporting us in the development of our 4MW tidal array at FORCE in 2015. OpenHydro is proud to have been the first technology installed in the Bay of Fundy, and we remain convinced of the potential of the region as a major source of clean renewable energy. This project represents an important step in building a local tidal energy industry in Nova Scotia and a next step in the development of commercial tidal farms in the region."
James Ives
CEO, OpenHydro

"Buildings in Canada are responsible for 33 percent of total energy use and emit 35 percent of the nation's greenhouse gas.  Our technology will reduce the release of hazardous emissions, increase the efficient/effective use of resources, and will make these benefits accessible to Canadians through better management of commercial buildings in Canada.  SDTC's support is instrumental in reaching these results."
Dr. Alexandre Pavlovski
President and CEO, Green Power Labs Inc.

Related Products

Backgrounder – Government of Canada and SDTC Announce Clean Technology Funding in Atlantic Canada

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Media may contact: Chris McCluskey, Office of Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, Tel.: [phone]; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, 613-992-4447; Kelly Crowe, Communications, SDTC, 613-234-6313 ext. 243; The general public may contact: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. EDT, Telephone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]