Federal support for innovation in high-growth sectors fits with the Fonds’ strategic planning objectives
Montréal, June 1, 2017 – The Fonds de solidarité FTQ commends the Government of Canada for its recent announcement to issue a call for proposals for industrial superclusters. The $950 million program seeks to bring together the academic and business communities in order to support innovation in high-growth sectors.
For the purpose of this program, “superclusters” are defined as dense areas of business activity or hotbeds of innovation, where many of today’s and tomorrow’s middle-class jobs are created. They attract large and small companies that collaborate with universities, colleges and non-profit organizations — by forming a consortium — to transform ideas into marketable solutions.
Companies of all sizes and post-secondary institutions are invited to submit a supercluster project with a strong potential to accelerate economic growth and enhance the competitiveness of highly innovative industries.
To learn more about the supercluster initiative, visit Innovation,
Science and Economic Development Canada.
Quotes
“Québec has the talent, network and potential to create superclusters in several fields. We’re confident that Québec will propose ambitious projects. The Fonds will be following this file closely.”
Normand Chouinard, Executive Vice-President, Investments, Fonds de solidarité FTQ
“In terms of innovation, Québec businesses must quickly make up for the ground lost over the years. We need to act now. This initiative is another step in the right direction that will help us better respond to the challenges of a changing global economy.”
Alain Denis, Senior Vice-President, Innovation, Fonds de solidarité FTQ
About the Fonds de solidarité FTQ
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a development capital fund that channels the savings of Quebecers into investments. As at November 30, 2016, the organization had $12.2 billion in net assets, and through its current portfolio of investments has helped create and protect over 187,000 jobs. The Fonds is a partner in more than 2,600 companies and has nearly 618,000 shareholder-savers. fondsftq.com
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Information for media representatives only:
Patrick McQuilken
Senior Advisor, Media Relations and Communications
Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Phone: 514 850-4835
Mobile: 514 703-5587
Email:
pmcquilken@fondsftq.com