Government of Canada Grants Financial Assistance to UdeM in Support of the OMM
The Mont-Mégantic Observatory will be able to carry out new technological and scientific development projects thanks to this financial assistance.
Organizations and companies must be able to count on adequate resources to develop innovative products and technological and scientific projects.
That’s why the Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative projects. A true economic driver, innovation is the key to success, generating growth that benefits organizations, businesses and communities alike.
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and Francophonie and Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announces that the Université de Montréal has been awarded $1,000,000 in non-repayable funding to enable the Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic (OMM) to carry out cutting-edge innovation activities in optics-photonics, and to help maintain the tourist appeal of Mont-Mégantic National Park.
A world-class centre of technological innovation, the OMM has been pursuing a mission of cutting-edge astronomical research, education and promotion of astronomy to the general public since 1978. Its telescope, located atop Mont Mégantic, is a major infrastructure dedicated to astrophysical research. The OMM also houses experimental astrophysics laboratories on the campuses of Université de Montréal and Université Laval. Funding from CED’s Programme de développement économique du Québec (PDEQ) will support technological and scientific development projects over the next two years, as well as the maintenance of the Observatory’s facilities.
CED is one of six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
Quotes
“It is with great pride that I announce this funding to the Mont-Mégantic Observatory, so that it can continue its research, training and astronomy promotion activities. The Observatory is an important tourist attraction for the region, and plays a significant role in the economic development of the Granit and Haut Saint-François MRCs.”
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and Francophonie
“By improving the places where discoveries are made and innovation takes shape, we are helping to ensure our prosperity for many years to come. The funding announced today highlights the importance of such infrastructure and its role in maintaining Canada’s reputation for scientific excellence in Quebec.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED
“The funding announced today will enable the Mont-Mégantic Observatory to remain a leader not only in astrophysical instrumentation on the international scene, but also in the training of Canadian astrophysicists.”
René Doyon, Professor at the Université de Montréal and Director of the Mont-Mégantic Observatory
