Science and Research Committee on Nov. 19th, 2025

[Aurélie Licois]

Yes, absolutely.

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC]

Doesn't this federal policy, which has been directly impeding you since 2012, as you said, send the opposite message, that the government is hindering innovation?

[Aurélie Licois]

The technology access centres are a program in and of itself. There is a broader program, the college and community innovation program. The CCTTs still have access to it, as do the other technology access centres in Canada, and they receive the same amount.

Any reduction in the amount invested in applied research impedes innovation, whether in Quebec or in the rest of Canada.

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC]

We agree on that.

If you could send a clear message to the government telling it what you hope from it in the short or medium term, what would you say?

[Aurélie Licois]

We would love to see an increase in funding. As you know, in 2023, the college and community innovation program received $108 million in funding, which will expire on March 31, 2026. That will be a significant loss and will certainly reduce the centres' ability to innovate as well as help and support businesses in their innovations. Therefore, we would like to see, at the very least, an increase in funding.

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC]

Thank you, and congratulations on your excellent work.

[Aurélie Licois]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

I'd like to thank all the witnesses for their important testimonies. I'm sorry we had to cut the time short, but the previous panel went late.

With that, this panel comes to an end. On behalf of all the members, I once again want to thank the witnesses for appearing before the committee.

Is it the will of the committee to adjourn the meeting?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

The meeting is adjourned.