Harper Government announces support for Cold Climate Research

News Release
For Immediate Release


Harper Government announces support for Cold Climate Research
Government of Canada supporting research to improve life in Northern communities

November 13, 2014 – Whitehorse, Yukon – Office of the Honourable Leona, Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister for the Arctic Council.

Today, on behalf of Minister Aglukkaq, Yukon MP Ryan Leef announced new funding for Cold Climate Innovation and Technology Innovation at the Yukon Research Centre at Yukon College. The Government of Canada is making this new investment to support Yukon innovators and businesses developing and commercializing products and services designed for the cold climate of Canada’s northern territories.

This funding builds upon previous CanNor investments in Cold Climate Innovation at the Yukon Research Centre and will contribute to growing the private sector and improving the lives of northerners. Previously funded research projects include converting plastics to fuel oil, enhancing wood gasification technology and using bio-char in soil remediation at mine sites.

Quick Facts

• CanNor’s investment of $700,000 over two years will support Yukon innovators and businesses developing innovative commercial products or services. Cold Climate Innovation is also contributing $700,000 to the two-year initiative through their core funding from Government of Yukon’s department of Economic Development. Project focus areas in the coming year will include: alternative energy, building construction, environmental remediation, food security and mechanical innovation.

• Previous support from CanNor for Cold Climate Innovation at Yukon College included more than $340,000 from 2013 to 2014 for small research projects geared towards commercializing products that improve the lives of Northerners.

• Cold Climate Innovation and Technology Innovation at the Yukon Research Centre operate mainly by providing seed money to individuals and companies to develop prototypes that can be tested and move them towards commercialization.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to invest in Northern research that supports job creation and the growth of Yukon-based businesses. We look forward to continued collaboration with our territorial partners on developing new ways to harness local research and technology that increase economic growth and improve the lives of Northerners.”

Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon,

“Our long-term support for Cold Climate Innovation demonstrates the Government of Yukon’s ongoing commitment to strength and resilience in a growing private sector. When we invest in research and product development, we’re investing in Yukon’s overall economic self-sufficiency and its future. We’re pleased that this support will help centre economic opportunities in the North.”

Currie Dixon
Minister of Economic Development, Government of Yukon

“Yukon College is committed to expanding research and innovation opportunities across the North and with continued support from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency we are able to make this goal a reality.”
Dr. Karen Barnes,
President, Yukon College 

Associated Links
CanNor and Yukon Government support seven Cold Climate and Technology Innovation Projects
CanNor Supports Commercialization of Cold Climate Research in Yukon
YRC receives funding from CanNor and Yukon Government to Support Research for Commercialization


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Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Ted Laking
819-997-1441

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Christina Gray
Communications Advisor
867-669-2592

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research. For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

Department of Economic Development, Government of Yukon
Andre Gagne
Communications Analyst
867-456-3819

Yukon College
Tanis Davey
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College
867-456-8625

For more information on CCI and TI projects.