Update from OSC – COVID-19 Measures
Monday, April 6, 2020
Over the past number of weeks we’ve all made adjustments in order to keep each other safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. In communicating, collaborating, and advancing our work priorities, the ability to connect virtually has never been more important. To further share information publicly, engage with members, and move important projects forward, we accelerated the completion of a new platform to host this virtual activity for OSC members. On Thursday of last week our team completed that work and launched a robust and interactive new website together with a member portal that can be found here. In addition, the Ocean Startup Project officially launched its free webinar series focused on ocean innovation. Last week’s session saw very high attendance from across Canada. The next in the series takes place April 9 and examines ocean growth from Canadian and international perspectives. Registration is still open to those who are interested.
There has been a growing list of opportunities for innovators in Canada and for those who are able to retool operations to deliver necessary health products and services in response to the pandemic. Through the supercluster program, funding is available to those Canadian companies who can help support these efforts, and as a reminder, they include the following calls with a combined investment value of $110 million:
- From the Digital Technology Supercluster for the development, deployment and scaling of digital technology in five key area of health.
- From Next Generation Manufacturing (NGEN) for the provision of equipment, products, and therapeutics.
Last week the Prime Minister announced further details on the emergency wage subsidy program for Canadian companies of all sizes, and others, that can demonstrate a loss of revenue of 30 per cent due to the impacts of COVID-19. The Department of Finance has since posted a program backgrounder with expanded details around the program, eligibility, and timeframes.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster would like to recognize its members, partners, and all those who are taking the necessary measures to keep each other healthy and safe. Our shared commitment to addressing challenges in the ocean economy continues, and we are doing everything we can to continue to develop project ideas and support companies through these unprecedented times. Stay tuned for program updates in the coming weeks!
Stay healthy and safe.
Kendra MacDonald
CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster