The Government of Canada is once again accepting applications from local businesses to help kick-start their innovative ideas by moving their products and services from the lab to the marketplace.

The latest call for proposals under the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program/Kickstart initiative was launched by Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women.

鈥淚 am pleased to tell you that the second call for proposals is now available to local businesses,"  said John Duncan, Vancouver Island North MP and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. "Our government is putting its support behind local innovations designed right here in Vancouver Island North.

鈥淭he Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program was introduced because it鈥檚 an important way to kickstart innovative Canadian business ideas by helping them move from late-stage research and development into commercialization.鈥�

This $40-million program was created to help Canadian businesses by testing their innovative products and services within the Government of Canada before taking them to the marketplace. Federal departments will test innovations that fall within four key areas: environment; health; safety and security; and technology.

The second call for proposals is now available on MERX, the Government of Canada鈥檚 electronic tendering service. Successful bidders will see their products and services tested within government departments, and will be given valuable feedback from users participating in the program.

For more information, visit buyandsell.gc.ca/innovation or look for this opportunity on www.merx.ca.

鈥� MP John Duncan