Governments of Canada and Quebec support aluminum industry in Chicoutimi

The National Research Council Canada on behalf of Ministers Mr Gary Goodyear, Minister of State science and technology and Mr Denis Lebel minister of State together with the province of Quebec announced a collaborative agreement with aluminium transformation business network Réseau Trans Al.

To support this collaboration, the Government of Canada will be providing up to USD 94,500 in in kind contributions via the NRC Aluminium Technology Centre. More specifically, this in kind contribution means access to highly trained scientists and specialized equipment such as a scanning electronic microscope advanced laser technology and other emerging forming and joining techniques. The Government of Quebec will be providing a financial contribution of up to USD 166,097.

Mr Jean Pierre Blackburn minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State for Agriculture said that right now, heavy investments by large companies help the aluminum industry strongly position itself. Our government supports Réseau Trans Al so all transformers in that sector will jump in the wagon. We must leverage forces of the Canadian economy as well as the competitive advantage that Réseau Trans Al made possible through technology and expertise sharing.

This collaborative agreement is also supported by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions which has contributed USD 235,597 in non repayable funding to Trans Al Network Inc. for the 2009 to 2011 period. Provided through the Business and Regional Growth program, this assistance is enabling the organization to, among other things, foster the development of Quebec's aluminium industry update the information in the latest edition of the Canadian Aluminium Transformation Technology Roadmap and undertake a strategic planning exercise.

Mr Denis Lebel minister of State for Canada Economic Development said that "This agreement is sure to help companies in Saguenay Lac Saint Jean's aluminum sector expand their business activities which will directly benefit our economy."

As a result of this agreement, members of the Réseau Trans Al will seek to increase the use of new aluminium fabrication methods, thereby increasing competitiveness, and developing a more thorough understanding of aluminium transformation technologies. Through working closely with industry, NRC will increase its ability to respond to the technology and research needs of the aluminium transformation market. Using NRC expertise and infrastructure, Réseau Trans-Al members will be able to undertake targeted R&D.

Mr John McDougall president of NRC said that "Investing in science and technology is critical for developing highly skilled people and improving the long term competitiveness of Canadian firms. That's why NRC is helping Canada's aluminium transformation industry grow more competitive."