Investment Strengthens Western Canada's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Sector

Funding to support the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association will enhance global profile of Western Canadian clean technology companies

VANCOUVER, Feb. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Companies in Western Canada's hydrogen and fuel cell (HFC) industry will benefit from additional support to raise their global profile, generate industry growth and create jobs across Western Canada.

The Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced over $670,000 in funding to support the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) at Ionomr, an organization member located at VentureLabs in Vancouver.

The CHFCA's mission is to support Canadian corporations, governments and educational institutions that are developing, demonstrating and deploying hydrogen and fuel cell products and services. With this funding, the CHFCA will be able to bolster the HFC sector's activity in key global markets and accelerate trade and investment.

The funding will also help the CHFCA to develop and implement marketing strategies and webinars to target potential overseas investors in Canadian clean technology businesses. By showcasing Canada's leadership in the HFC sector, the CHFCA member organizations hope to attract significant global investment, provide exposure to local companies and fuel job creation in Canada.

Currently, the Canadian hydrogen and fuel cell sector contributes 2,000 knowledge-based, high-tech jobs to Canada's economy. This funding will assist the CHFCA to further the Government of Canada's priorities to support clean technology and innovation.

Quick Facts

• VentureLabs® is a world-class technology business accelerator program delivered by Simon Fraser University in partnership with the NRC IRAP; the BC Innovation Council; university partners including Ryerson University, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, the University of Victoria, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and the Emily Carr University of Art + Design; government partners and industry partners.
• The CHFCA was formed in January 2009 when the Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA) and Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Canada (H2FCC) merged. This unified all of the members of the former groups to create a vibrant, influential association. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, the CHFCA now represents the majority of the stakeholders in Canada's hydrogen and fuel cell sector.

Quotes

"The Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association plays a key role in developing clean technology that reduces harmful emissions, promotes renewable energy and creates highly skilled jobs for Canadians. As hydrogen and fuel cell products move towards commercialization, our federal government is proud to support the CHFCA as they continue to establish Canada's status as a global leader in the clean technology sector."
- The Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre

"As governments and business leaders recognize the important role sustainable fuels will play in a clean energy future and aim to adopt zero-emission solutions to power cars, buses, trucks, trains, ships and buildings, Canada is well-positioned to capitalize on its industry leadership in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. We are grateful to Western Economic Diversification Canada for their support as we accelerate our efforts to expand export of, and investment interest in, our sector's capabilities and products." 
- Dr. Andreas Truckenbrodt, President & CEO, Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association 

Additional Links

• VentureLabs
• Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association

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SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada