Feds invest $7.8M in Quebec cleantech

Minister Bibeau and Parliamentary Secretary Lametti announce $7.8 million to develop cleaner technologies for less pollution and healthier communities

Quebecers will benefit from new jobs created by innovations in the energy, mining and waste treatment sectors as a result of a $7.8-million investment by the Government of Canada.

This investment in three Quebec companies—one in Sherbrooke, another in Québec and a third in Montréal—will create well-paying middle-class jobs as a result of the new business opportunities generated by the development of technologies that lead to less pollution and healthier communities.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

The investment includes:

• $3.9 million for The Magpie Mines Inc. of Montréal, which is using low-grade ores to develop a process to produce synthetic rutile, a popular white pigment used in paints, plastics, paper and foods;
• $2 million for E2metrix Inc. of Sherbrooke, which has developed a new approach to wastewater treatment that reduces the amount of contaminants being released back into surface water, resulting in cleaner communities; and
• $1.8 million for FlyScan Systems Inc. of Québec, which has developed a sensor that can detect small leaks in underground pipelines used to transport oil and liquid gas.

The projects announced today are being funded through Sustainable Development Technology Canada, which works with Canadian companies to bring early-stage clean technologies to market.

Investments in clean technology are part of the Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

Quotes

The new wastewater treatment processes developed in Sherbrooke by E2metrix will go a long way toward protecting our ecosystems. Our government is proud to support projects like this, which promote clean technology and develop innovative sustainable development solutions.”

– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

“Our government’s investments in clean technology reflect our commitment to protecting the planet. But they also point to a clear and strategic direction for economic development through innovation. That’s because innovations in clean tech will lead to products and services that have an impact on all sectors of the economy. And clean tech has the potential to create thousands of well-paying jobs for Canadians. That’s how innovation leads to a better Canada.”

– David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Technological advances like those brought about by E2metrix allow the city to reduce its environmental footprint. These novel solutions tackle global environmental and energy challenges, and I am very proud that the project to validate this innovative technology, which will take place over two years, is being carried out in city facilities.”

– Bernard Sévigny, Mayor of Sherbrooke

“Today’s announcement showcases the strength of innovation being developed in Quebec. SDTC’s investment in each of these companies will support the development of transformative clean technology solutions that will deliver real environmental and economic benefits for Canadians.”

– Leah Lawrence, President and CEO, Sustainable Development Technology Canada

“In Canada, like in the rest of the world, the capacity for wastewater treatment has reached its limits because of population growth and the emergence of new contaminants. The innovation developed by E2metrix results in significantly lower concentrations of phosphorus and ammonia without resorting to chemical coagulants, leading to safer residues while reducing the volume of sludge generated. The unique properties of our patented anode make this possible. Our process, which complies with current regulations and the stricter ones to come, eliminates pathogenic micro-organisms and products that are harmful to human health such as hormones and endocrine disruptors.”

– Mohamed Laaroussi, CEO, E2metrix