Harper Government Supports Canadian Innovation

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 16, 2015) - Public Works and Government Services Canada

Today the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, hosted a Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) Showcase at the Western Innovation Forum. The event highlighted how the BCIP supports jobs and growth by helping companies get their innovative products from the lab to the marketplace. Minister Finley was joined by the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Nicole Verkindt, President of OMX, who, along with the ministers, acted as a panelist for the showcase.

Two companies from British Columbia that have participated in the BCIP, CommandWear Systems Inc. and NGRAIN, demonstrated their cutting-edge products and answered questions from the panelists about how participating in the program has impacted their businesses. Minister Finley encouraged entrepreneurs, across Canada to submit their products as part of the next round of requests for proposals.

The BCIP helps Canadian businesses move their cutting-edge goods and services from the lab to the marketplace. Through this program, the federal government acts as a first buyer of new technology. Companies and their innovations are matched with government departments who could use their innovations to fill a business need. Having made a sale to the Government of Canada, businesses can demonstrate the value of their products and services to potential customers in Canada - and around the world. Successful sales translate into jobs, and jobs lead to prosperity for hard-working Canadians and their families. This program is just one of the many ways the Government of Canada supports small and medium businesses across Canada.

Minister Finley also highlighted the Government's Defence Procurement Strategy, which marks the most significant and fundamental shift in federal defence procurement in 30 years.

Quick Facts

• The BCIP was created in 2012 to help kick-start businesses and move their cutting-edge products and services from the lab to the marketplace.
  
  
• Products can be eligible for contracts up to $500,000 under the program's standard component, and up to $1 million under the military component.
  
  
• As of April, 2015, more than 100 contracts have been awarded under the BCIP, bringing Canadian companies one step closer to selling to domestic and international markets.
  
  

Quotes

"Our Government remains focused on what matters to Canadians-jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. I am delighted to be here in Vancouver to talk about the Build in Canada Innovation Program and how it is kick-starting innovative businesses across Canada, by helping to get their products from the lab to the marketplace."

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services

Associated Links

Build in Canada Innovation Program

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