The Gaspésie-based organization has received financial assistance totaling more than $3.5 million from the DEC.

Gaspé, Quebec, on January 11, 2024 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED): Supporting innovation contributes to the economic development of Quebec’s regions. That is why the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced today, on behalf of the Honorable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for DEC, the awarding of non-repayable grants totaling $3,525,000 to Nergica, a college-based technology transfer center (CCTT) affiliated with the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles.

Nergica is an applied research center that fosters innovation and technology transfer in renewable energy to accelerate its development and adoption. It demonstrates its expertise through development, optimization, and support activities in the wind energy, solar energy, and hybrid solutions sectors for businesses and local governments: the search for solutions that promote the integration of renewable energy. Its unique full-scale research facilities, located in cold climates and complex terrain, represent one of its greatest strengths.

DEC will provide Nergica with $3 million over three years to help it enhance businesses’ capacity for innovation and establish a network structure for the wind energy industry cluster. This funding will also enable the organization to maintain its service offerings and continue supporting companies in Quebec’s wind energy sector in the areas of development and innovation.

The CCTT will also receive a $525,000 grant from DEC to enable Nergica to develop, structure, and support innovation in the solar photovoltaic sector. The funding will primarily cover the salaries of staff assigned to technical support and innovation, as well as fees related to business development and project communications.

The Government of Canada recognizes and supports innovative businesses and organizations that are a source of pride in their communities. Quebec’s economic recovery relies in particular on organizations that are deeply rooted in the regional economy. Innovation is a major driver of growth and a key asset in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient, greener, and more equitable economy for everyone.

Quotes

“Helping businesses innovate so they can develop and adopt cleaner energy sources is a priority of our economic recovery plan. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting Nergica, an organization whose projects help accelerate businesses’ green transition and enhance their capacity to innovate in this area, which will contribute to cleaner economic growth in the Gaspé region, Quebec, and Canada. By focusing on innovative projects like those of Nergica and promoting the adoption of sustainable energy processes, we are investing in the well-being of future generations.”

The Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard

 

“Technological innovation is at the heart of solutions to combat climate change, which is why we are proud to support Nergica through DEC today. Thanks to this support, Nergica will continue to foster the development of businesses and communities in the renewable energy sector, enabling them to remain competitive while benefiting the entire Gaspésie region and the economies of Quebec and Canada.”

 The Honorable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of the National Assembly for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism, and Minister responsible for DEC

 

“The success of the energy transition and the確保 of a sufficient supply of renewable energy depends largely on research and innovation in this field. Nergica is thrilled to receive this funding today, which will enable it to continue supporting companies in the wind and solar sectors as they develop innovative projects. We extend our warmest thanks to the Government of Canada for funding these two projects through CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGTI) program.”

Frédéric Côté, CEO, Nergica

 

Quick Facts

• The funds were awarded under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. This program is aimed at entrepreneurs who rely on innovation to grow their businesses and make them more competitive, as well as at regional economic stakeholders who help create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and growth for all, in every region.
• Quebec's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 99.7% of all businesses and contribute 50% of the province's GDP.
• DEC is the key federal partner for regional economic development in Quebec. Through its 12 regional offices, DEC supports businesses, support organizations, and all regions of Quebec as they move toward the economy of tomorrow.

Information

Media Relations

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

media@dec-ced.gc.ca

 

Marie-Justine Torres

Public Relations Officer

Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Cell: 613-327-5918

marie-justine.torresames@ised-isde.gc.ca