ARCHIVED - Government of Canada supports research and innovation in Québec

MP Steven Blaney also recognizes two local firms as Canadian Innovation Leaders

March 29, 2010 — Ottawa, Ontario

Mr. Steven Blaney, Member of Parliament for Lévis-Bellechasse, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced contributions of $495,000 to OmegaChem Incorporated and $498,500 to Opsens Incorporated from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). 

"Our government is investing in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve Canadians' quality of life," said Mr. Blaney. "This government is supporting Canadian firms that successfully develop and apply innovative technologies linking scientific research to commercialization, to jobs of the future and economic growth." 

OmegaChem will use the funding to create new synthetic steroids that could lead to powerful new medications.  The funding will support Opsens in developing new optical technology to measure blood pressure. 

During the event, Mr. Blaney also presented Canadian Innovation Leader Certificates to OmegaChem and Opsens to highlight their success as innovative Canadian firms that have successfully linked scientific research to commercialization, jobs and economic growth. 

"Investing in science and technology is critical for developing highly skilled people and improving the long-term competitiveness of Canadian firms," said NRC Acting President Daniel Gosselin. "That's why NRC-IRAP is helping innovative Canadian businesses like OmegaChem and Opsens grow stronger, faster and bigger." 

Based in the Québec area, OmegaChem sources, develops and produces chemical intermediates, key ingredients in prescription drugs, for the chemical and biotechnology industry, and particularly the international pharmaceutical industry. As well as supplying a wide range of fine chemicals, OmegaChem also offers process and manufacturing services. The company serves clients in more than 30 countries worldwide. 

"In order to stand out internationally and ensure the success of our company, we must continuously innovate through clever, timely and relevant research and development," said François Laflamme, President of OmegaChem Inc.  "In fact, innovation is at the core of our business and is key to our past, current and future successes.  The financial support of NRC-IRAP now allows us to undertake a major research project we have been contemplating for awhile.  NRC-IRAP is undoubtedly instrumental in our endeavors to become pioneers in the field of Steroidal Nuclear Hormone Receptors." 

Opsens is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of fiber optic sensors and associated signal conditioners based on proprietary patented and patent pending technologies. Opsens provides sensors to measure pressure, temperature, strain and displacement to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users in oil and gas, medical, high-power transformers and laboratory industries. Opsens is listed on the Venture Exchange, TSX V:OPS.

About NRC and NRC-IRAP 

The National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program provides a range of both technical and business-oriented advisory services along with necessary financial support to qualified innovative Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises. 

The program is delivered by a field staff of 240 professionals in more than 100 communities across Canada. The Council is committed to working with small- and medium-sized enterprises while they realize their full potential, turning knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all Canadians. 

The Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan has provided new resources of $200 million to the program over two years to support innovative Canadian firms. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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