Yukon provides research, innovation and commercialization certainty through funding

For Release #12-039
March 12, 2012

Whitehorse—The Yukon Research Centre (YRC) and the Yukon Cold Climate Innovation Centre (YCCIC) at Yukon College are receiving over $5 million in funding support from the Government of Yukon over the next five years, subject to legislative approval, Education Minister Scott Kent and Economic Development Minister Currie Dixon announced today.

“Research, education and innovation are key to growing a northern knowledge sector,” Education Minister Scott Kent said. “We are proud of the active network of researchers and innovators within Yukon. Our investment in the knowledge-based sector encourages greater educational opportunities and technical advancement.”The funding agreement for the Yukon Research Centre commits to $2.2 million over the next two years from the Yukon government. The funding agreement for YCCIC commits to over $2.8 million for the next five years in operational and project support.

“The Yukon government supports the work of the YCCIC to create commercial solutions that address cold climate issues affecting northerners, and this funding affirms our commitment,” Dixon said. “The commercialization of cold climate technologies will provide important economic opportunities for Yukoners and contribute to the diversification of Yukon’s economy.”

The business community has been receptive to the funding announcement. “I think it’s great,” Northerm general manager Dave Borud said of the YCCIC funding. “This gives us an opportunity to delve into some projects we have been hesitant, until now, to start on. It’s great news for us, and for other people and companies involved in innovative business.”

“Long-term funding is critical to the success of a science research facility,” the vice-president of research at Yukon College, Dr. Chris Hawkins said. “This funding will allow the research centre to continue building local capacity, contribute to the Yukon knowledge economy and develop ways to help Yukon adapt to climate change.”

Visit online for more information about the Yukon Research Centre or YCCIC or call 456-8625.

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See backgrounder attached.

Contact:

Elaine Schiman
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca

Samantha Paterson
Communications, Economic Development
867-667-5387
samantha.paterson@gov.yk.ca

Michele Royle
Communications, Education
867-393-7102
michele.royle@gov.yk.ca

Tanis Davey
Communications, Yukon Research Centre
Yukon College
867-456-8625
tdavey@yukoncollege.yk.ca

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BACKGROUNDER

Yukon Research Centre

The Government of Yukon is funding YRC for two years in the amount of:

• $1,088,000 in 2012-13
• $1,088,500 in 2013-14

The Yukon Research Centre was established in October 2009 to provide Yukon College the opportunity to grow its research activities for the benefit of Yukon. In 2010-11, Yukon government provided $717,107 towards administrative support and research costs. This investment supported Yukon College in making significant advances to their research agenda by securing key partnerships, linkages and eligibilities nationally.

The YRC undertook a number of major projects during 2010-11. The climate change projects identified strategic northern issues relevant to climate change and attracted more investment for Yukon climate change adaptation research.

Yukon Cold Climate Innovation Centre

The Government of Yukon is funding YCCIC for five years in the amount of:

• $558,000 per fiscal year 2012/13 and 2013/14;
• $567,000 in 2014/15;
• $577,000 in 2015/16; and
• $581,000 in 2016/17.

This funding is critical to YCCIC’s core resources, and provides seed money to attract other revenues.

For example, the funding provided by the Government of Yukon in 2012/13 will consist of $358,000 allotted for operations and maintenance, and an additional $200,000 for project support. These amounts will be utilized to leverage further funding from other sources.

The purpose of the YCCIC is to enable the development of technology, particularly as it applies to cold climate and climate change, for the benefit of Yukoners and the growth of Yukon’s economy.

The vision that drives the YCCIC is to support the development, enhancement and success of Yukon’s technology industries by becoming recognized internationally as a centre for the development, commercialization, and export of sustainable cold climate technologies and related solutions for sub-arctic regions around the world.