Person: Francois Legault

Quebec critical mineral strategy blurs environmental lines

As the world gathers in Montreal to consider how to preserve the world’s threatened biodiversity, many observers see a threat that is too close to home — extracting minerals to make electric vehicles and fight climate change, in natural settings that might be better left alone.

The Short Report – Feb. 9, 2022: Quebec getting Canada’s first universal quantum computer, Canadian cleantech companies receive more than $52 million in SDTC funding, Ocean Supercluster announces largest project to date, public servants learn about AI, and more

The Short Report – Feb. 9, 2022: Quebec gets Canada’s first universal quantum computer, Canadian cleantech companies receive more than $52 million in SDTC funding, Ocean Supercluster announces largest project to date, public servants learn about AI, new VP of research programs at CIHR, and more.

Canada’s first rare earths projects underway in push to build new industry

A mine in the Northwest Territories, set to start Canada’s first production of rare earth concentrate in July in Saskatchewan, will build a rare earths processing facility in Saskatoon, as the public and private sectors ramp up efforts to make Canada a supplier of choice for strategic critical minerals.

Forest industry emerging as a leader in Canada’s innovation economy

Canada’s forest industry is tapping innovation with the aim of growing the nation’s GDP while slashing carbon emissions. Federal government funding and policy support for the innovation drive has been strong, say industry executives and innovation leaders. But more effort is needed to improve procurement programs and regulations, especially for biochemicals and biomaterials.

Steven Smith

Steven Smith has been appointed VP business development at B-TEMIA Inc, a Quebec City-based developer and manufacturer of human augmentation medical devices. Smith joins B-TEMIA from Shopper Home Healthcare where he was successful in its growth. At B-TEMIA, he will focus on the commercialization of Keeogo, a motorized walking assistive device worn on the lower…

Sylvain Laporte

Sylvain Laporte has been appointed president of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), effective March 9th. Laporte’s announcement was made in a terse two-sentence statement on February 27th by the Prime Minister’s Office. The position has been vacant since November 3/14 following the surprise departure of Walter Natynczyk who was appointed DM of Veteran Affairs after…

Dr François Blais

Dr François Blais has been appointed minister of the Quebec Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. Blais comes to the ministry during a period of uncertainty over provincial funding of science, research and innovation. He replaces Yves Bolduc who quit politics February 26th following controversial comments on the appropriateness of strip searching high…

Dr Molly Shoichet

Dr Molly Shoichet has been awarded the 2015 L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award — one of five awarded globally for achievement in the physical sciences. Shoichet is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Tissue Engineering and professor of chemical engineering and applied chemistry, chemistry and biomaterials and biomedical engineering at the Univ of…

Francois Legault

Francois Legault has been appointed board chairman of Montreal-based Verlyx Pharma Inc (formerly Oncozyme Pharma), a privately held biotechnology company focused on the treatment of liver disorders. Legault has a long career in the biotechnology industry. Positions include executive VP at BioChem Pharma prior to its acquisition by Shire Pharmaceuticals, and president, COO and co-founder…

Steven Smith

Steven Smith has been appointed VP business development at B-TEMIA Inc, a Quebec City-based developer and manufacturer of human augmentation medical devices. Smith joins B-TEMIA from Shopper Home Healthcare where he was successful in its growth. At B-TEMIA, he will focus on the commercialization of Keeogo, a motorized walking assistive device worn on the lower…