Government of Canada promotes innovation for economic growth and jobs in Quebec

Shortlisted superclusters initiatives will energize regional economies and create jobs

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 10, 2017 /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 generate 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, launched a cross-country tour to announce the shortlisted applicants to the Superclusters Initiative.

At Polytechnique Montréal, Minister Bains announced the successful applicants from the Quebec region.

The AI-powered Supply Chains Supercluster would bolster Canadian leadership in artificial intelligence and data science to profoundly impact the retail, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

The Mobility Systems and Technologies for the 21st Century (MOST21) Supercluster would leverage digital technologies to advance Canadian leadership in next-generation mobility products and services for the aerospace, ground transportation and advanced manufacturing sectors.

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