Canada Invests $28.3 Million in Innovative Technology

The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, announced investments totalling $28.3 million through Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) with three innovative British Columbia small and medium-sized enterprises. These investments will advance research projects with the potential to benefit both the forest and hydrogen industries across Canada.

“In Budget 2005, the Government of Canada made a specific commitment to investing in enabling and environmental technologies,” said Minister Emerson.

TPC will be investing up to $9.8 million toward a $48.9-million research project undertaken by CellFor Inc. in Vancouver to develop and scale up a novel plant reproduction system for the selection and mass production of naturally occurring, genetically superior conifer seeds and seedlings. This is the first time these seeds and seedlings will be made available to the forest industry, offering the potential to enhance the industry’s productivity and improve the sustainability of Canada’s forests.

In addition, TPC will invest in two hydrogen fuel cell technology research projects with the potential to advance the hydrogen economy, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a sustainable environment.

TPC will invest up to $9.5 million toward a $28.9-million project undertaken by Cellex Power Products Inc. in Richmond. Through this project, the company will develop hydrogen fuel cell power units suited for use by industrial lift trucks, such as forklifts used in warehouses.

General Hydrogen (Canada) Corporation in Richmond will receive an investment of up to $9 million toward a $28-million project to develop self-contained fuel cell power packs for industrial vehicles, and associated fuel cell process control and fluid management modules.

Technology Partnerships Canada is a key instrument for advancing the commercialization of research and development. Working in partnership with innovative companies across Canada, TPC shares in the cost of private sector projects related to environmental and enabling technologies as well as those in the aerospace and defence sectors.