The Federal Government selects "GARDN II" application hosted by the Green Aviation Research & Development Network

SUDBURY, QC, Jan. 22, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State in Science and Technology, announced today the selection of the four new Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) including the application hosted by GARDN, the Green Aviation Research & Development Network, a network that brings together more than 35 industry, university and government partners. GARDN ultimately aims at reducing the global ecological footprint of this major industrial sector for Canada.

Jim Quick, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) and Chairman of GARDN's Board of Directors, underscored the importance of this initiative for the industry.

"GARDN's work is critical to supporting the research-development capacity of players from our industry and strengthens Canadian know-how in green technologies for the aerospace industry," Mr. Quick said. "Today's announcement not only demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting the development of environmentally-friendly engines and aircraft, but also highlights its recognition of the important strategic value the aerospace industry adds to Canadian innovation, jobs and the economy," he added.

With a budget of close to $24 million over five years funded equally by the federal government and participating aerospace companies, the new GARDN program will focus on three key words: quiet, clean and sustainable. GARDN will also pursue its participation in other Canadian environmental collaboration initiatives, as well as in the activities of international organizations.

About GARDN

Green Aviation Research & Development Network (GARDN) receives equally shared funding from the Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) and the Canadian aerospace industry. It is tasked with honing the competitive edge of Canada's aerospace industry by working to achieve reductions in the environmental footprints of next-generation aircraft, engines and avionics systems. GARDN's activities are structured around two strategic pillars: funding of research projects in industry and development of strategic thinking on green aviation in Canada. www.gardn.org

SOURCE: Green Aviation Research & Development Network (GARDN)

Sylvain Cofsky
Executive Director
GARDN
Cell: 514 983-2061