Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

RICHMOND, British Columbia, February 3, 2012 — Member of Parliament Alice Wong (Richmond) on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced the Government of Canada’s pre-qualification for SunCentral Inc.’s new  innovation, The Sunlighting System, through the second round of the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP). Through this pilot program, the Government of Canada is helping Canadian businesses get their innovative products and services from the lab to the marketplace.

“Our government is focused on creating conditions to promote jobs and economic growth,” said Minister Ambrose.  “That is why we’re committed to supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who help to keep the Canadian economy moving.”

“Supporting Canada’s economy is our number one priority, and today’s announcement is great news for the workers at SunCentral Inc.,” said MP Wong. “Our Government is putting its support behind their innovation designed right here in Richmond and bringing them one step closer in moving their innovations into domestic and international markets.”

SunCentral Inc.’s innovation, The Sunlighting System, harvests sunlight from building facades and channels it horizontally, deep into each floor, via hybrid light fixtures reaching areas previously not reached by windows and skylights.

“We are honoured to be a pre-qualified innovation in the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program.  The Canadian government plays a key role in accelerating the adoption of our technology and represents an ideal proving ground for our innovative green technology,” said Tony Formby, President & CEO, SunCentral Inc..

The CICP is a $40-million pilot program launched as part of the Economic Action Plan. Successful companies may see their pre-commercial products and services tested within government operations, and will be given relevant feedback from participating departments.

CICP demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to building the jobs and industries of the future by creating the conditions for continued success of industries that are the foundation of Canada’s prosperity.

In total, 27 innovations from Canadian companies pre-qualified for funding under the CICP’s first round and 36 innovations under the second round.

The CICP is managed by PWGSC’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, whose mandate is to improve accessibility to government procurement opportunities for small and medium enterprises. Launched as part of the Government of Canada’s Budget 2010, the CICP is a new initiative to promote Canada’s economic growth.

For the complete list of the successful innovations, please refer to the backgrounder.

For more information, please visit www.buyandsell.gc.ca/innovation or look for upcoming Calls for Proposals on www.merx.com. You can also contact the CICP team by email at innovation@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca or via the toll-free line at 1-800-811-1148.

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