Environmental Technology Awards Opening Markets for Innovative Canadian Companies

VANCOUVER, March 13, 2002 – Four Canadian companies were recognized today for their innovation and successful completion of Canada's voluntary Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program. Established by Environment Canada and Industry Canada in 1997, the ETV Program accelerates the introduction and application of innovative technologies to address Canada's environmental priorities. At present, 34 companies have received Canadian ETV certificates.

The companies being recognized today for their innovative technologies are: Elanco Animal Health/Provel, Droycon Bioconcepts Inc., Lawry Shooting Sports Inc., and Encelium Technologies Inc. Environment Minister David Anderson made the presentations at the Environmental Technology Verification Program Certificate Ceremony held today at Globe 2002 in Vancouver.

"ETV promotes the credibility of Canada's environment industry internationally and I commend these companies for their innovative efforts," said Minister Anderson. "By verifying the performance of new environmental technologies, the Government of Canada is helping companies to access foreign markets and thereby increase their competitiveness."

"I applaud the leadership of these four Canadian companies that are supporting Canada's Innovation Strategy by seeking new ways of advancing environmental technologies," said Industry Minister Allan Rock.

These technologies will address several key environmental concerns including improved water quality, a reduction of greenhouse gases from livestock operations, a reduction in environmental impacts of sporting activities, and energy efficiency in building lighting systems.

Over the past five years, the ETV program has successfully gained greater recognition both domestically and internationally. The program will continue to actively seek new partnership opportunities in the field of environmental technology verification with the goal of increasing the total number of countries adopting the Canadian model.

Globe 2002, being held in Vancouver, March 12-13, is bringing together international leaders from the environment and business sectors to discuss how major developments in energy policy and sustainable development can be translated into technology solutions and business opportunities. This conference and trade fair hosts 10,000 participants from more than 70 economies, making it the largest event of its kind in North America.

Related documents:

• Canada's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program [backgrounder]
• ETV Program [information collection]
• Environment Canada at GLOBE 2002 [information collection]