27 février 2011
Lévis, Quebec, February 28, 2011- The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), visited Creaform Inc. today to announce the results of Government of Canada-funded research and development projects that are supporting commercialization success, such as the company's handheld 3D scanning system. The company received support from the Government of Canada through the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). The Minister was joined by several of his caucus colleagues who are visiting other companies across Canada today to highlight similar commercialization successes that are strengthening the economy and improving the quality of life of Canadians.
"Our government is supporting Canadian companies that invest in research and development to bring new ideas to the marketplace, creating new jobs and strengthening our economy," said Minister Lebel. "Creaform is a Canadian success story and an example of how businesses can succeed when they invest in research and commercialize new discoveries."
Creaform's digital solutions provide high-quality innovative 3D technology, turnkey services and reliable support to enable seamless collaboration in 3D. The equipment was developed, in part, as the result of an IRAP investment, and the system is used by businesses worldwide.
"Programs such as IRAP, together with our strong innovation capacity, our ongoing commercialization efforts, and the quality of our in-house teams, our clients and our suppliers, have enabled us to become a leader in the growing field of 3D scanning," said Charles Mony, President of Creaform.
Increasing business investment in research and development is crucial to Canada's long-term competitiveness. To remain at the forefront of the global economy, Canadian businesses must invest in the people and ideas that will produce tomorrow's breakthroughs. Programs such as IRAP are helping businesses innovate.
Canada ranks first among the G7 countries in terms of expenditures on research and development in the higher education sector as a share of the economy.
Canada's science and technology strategy was launched by Prime Minister Harper in 2007 with the goal of encouraging our businesses to invest in research and development and to bring new ideas into the marketplace for the benefit of all Canadians. Through the 2006, 2007 and 2008 budgets, the government provided an additional $2.2 billion in new funding for science and technology initiatives.
Years one and two of Canada's Economic Action Plan built on these investments by providing $6.3 billion in additional funding for research infrastructure, research, highly skilled people and commercialization.
For more information on Canada's science and technology strategy, please visit the Industry Canada website (www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/h_00231.html).
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For further information (media only), please contact:
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Gary Toft Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear Minister of State (Science and Technology) 613-943-7599
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Media Relations Industry Canada 613-943-2502
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