Sidney, BC Firm a Role Model for Innovation

(January 7, 2005 – Sidney, BC) – The Honourable David Anderson, MP for Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the National Research Council (NRC), today announced that ASL Environmental Sciences Inc. of Sidney, British Columbia has been recognized by the NRC as a Canadian Innovation Leader and a role model for technology-based innovation.

"Through the Canadian Innovation Leaders initiative, NRC is celebrating entrepreneurs and innovators who are creating jobs and helping all of Canada benefit from investments in research and development," said Minister Emerson.

ASL Environmental, is an internationally successful firm that provides technology-based oceanographic, acoustic, and ice research services.

"ASL Environmental Sciences Inc. has demonstrated leadership in the development of unique services that will serve to both advance the oceanographic industry and protect the environment," said Mr. Anderson. "This kind of scientific discovery will also result in business growth and high-quality work opportunities, which in turn will benefit all Canadians."

The Canadian Innovation Leader initiative celebrates the successes of innovative Canadian firms identified by the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), Canada's premier innovation assistance program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Recognized globally for research and innovation, Canada's National Research Council (NRC) is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology.

For more information, please consult our Web site: http://irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/english/innovation/asl_e.html.

Dominique Guérin-Garnett
Head, Communications, NRC-IRAP
Tel.: (613) 991-5367

Stéphanie Leblanc
Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson
Minister of Industry
Tel.: (613) 995-9001

Lynne Henderson
Office of the Honourable David Anderson
Member of Parliament for Victoria
Tel.: (250) 363-3600
E-mail: AnderD1@parl.gc.ca

Pierre Naud
Media Relations, NRC
Tel.: (613) 990-6091
Cell: (613) 293-6617
E-mail: media@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca