Sault included in Northern Ontario showcase in Toronto

NEWS RELEASE

FEDNOR

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Harper government invests to showcase Northern Ontario companies at innovation conference in Toronto next month

SAULT STE. MARIE - Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, today announced that the Harper Government is investing to establish a Northern Ontario Innovation Pavilion at the Ontario Centres of Excellence Discovery Conference to be held in Toronto, May 27-28.

“Our Government is focused on supporting businesses in their efforts to grow and diversify the economy and create jobs,” said MP Hayes. “Not only will this initiative help bring innovative ideas to market, it will assist participating Northern Ontario companies in raising their profile, establish new alliances and pursue business opportunities.”

With $117,500 in FedNor funding, the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre will provide a venue for up to 25 small and medium-sized enterprises and researchers from across Northern Ontario to showcase their leading-edge technology, best practices and research at Canada’s leading innovation-to-commercialization conference.

The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre is working with innovation centres in Sudbury, North Bay and Thunder Bay to help select interested companies to participate in the conference.

“This event is a tremendous networking opportunity that will introduce Northern Ontario companies and research initiatives to investors, potential collaborators and partners who may assist in the further development of innovative products and services,” said Tom Vair, executive director of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre.

The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that strengthen community economic development, enhance business growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.

"Our Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of their streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security," concluded Minister Clement.

FedNor – 25 years of successful investment in Northern Ontario.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor

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