FRANCAIS

May 21, 2004

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Canada and Manitoba will each provide $1 million for cutting edge research and development in composite technology coordinated by the Composites Innovation Centre, Manitoba Inc. The centre, a new non-profit organization, will facilitate new product development and help close the gap between research and commercialization.

The Honourable Tim Sale, Minister of Energy, Science and Technology, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Selinger, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, made the announcement today.

“Our support of the composites initiative flows from a recommendation of the Premier's Economic Advisory Committee (PEAC) to create a Manitoba centre for excellence in composite materials,” said Minister Sale. “This centre will help Manitoba maintain its position at the forefront of innovation, research and development and accelerate the growth of our internationally competitive composites industry.”

“The development of composites technology and expertise is critical to ensuring the sustained growth of Manitoba’s manufacturing sectors,” said Minister Pagtakhan. “The Composites Innovation Centre is poised to help local industries prepare for the competitive challenges that lie ahead in the global marketplace. WD and the Government of Canada are proud to play a role in the growth of this important sector by investing in composites innovation.”

Composites are reinforcing fibers or molding compounds such as fiberglass or carbon, embedded in a plastic material. They replace bulky materials such as metals to save weight and energy, reduce the number of parts used, and lower assembly costs.

The markets and applications for composite and bio-composite materials are extensive: aerospace, automotive, civil infrastructure, sporting goods equipment, electronics, household appliances and furniture.

Manitoba has the largest concentration of composite research, development and fabrication firms in Canada. The centre will help local companies be more progressive and cost efficient. It will also support training and education in the field, as specialists and students will now have access to advanced and applied research, including highly sophisticated testing equipment, some of which was previously not available in Manitoba.

Together, and in partnership with community stakeholders, Canada and Manitoba are working to strengthen and diversify Manitoba's economy, build on existing economic strengths, enhance the skills of Manitoba's workforce and promote regional development.

In October 2003, the Composites Innovation Centre, Manitoba Inc. was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation and is located at the University of Manitoba’s SmartPark. It is jointly funded by the private and public sector. An implementation and organizational plan for the centre was cost-shared between Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and Destination Winnipeg. Western Economic Diversification Canada provided initial start-up funding of $235,000. The Province of Manitoba also contributed an additional $200,000 to assist with the ongoing operations of the centre. The City of Winnipeg provides additional support.

In December 2003, the governments of Canada and Manitoba entered into a new four-year Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The two strategic priorities of the agreement are "building our economy" and “sustainable communities."

Federal funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 budget.

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