Press Release

Technology Partnerships Canada Invests in Flat Panel Display Research and Development at  iFire Technology Inc. in Etobicoke North   May 11, 2001  ETOBICOKE -   The Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry, today announced a $30-million Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) repayable investment in the research and development of flat panel displays and development of pilot production processes at iFire Technology Inc. The three-year investment will create 127 high-quality jobs in addition to the 150 scientists, researchers, technicians and support staff currently employed at iFire's Toronto facility. In addition to TPC's investment, iFire will apply additional funds to advance its research and development capacity and move quickly towards development of its innovative flat panel display technology. TPC's investment in the project will assist not only in enhancing the performance characteristics of the technology but also in designing and refining production techniques. "The clear benefits of this project are enormous and place Canada on the leading edge of innovation in this exciting field," said Minister Tobin. "TPC's involvement will ensure that this technology is quickly advanced." "Here in Etobicoke North, we have a living example in iFire of first-class research and development that is leading to the creation of a brand new industry," said Roy Cullen, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North.  The goal of this project is to develop branded display modules for affordable, hang-on-the-wall televisions with screen sizes between 25 and 50 inches by the end of 2003. The company holds a complete patent portfolio on its flat panel display technology and is recognized as a world leader in electroluminescent technology. The Canadian-owned company's Toronto facility is completely dedicated to research and development of its proprietary flat panel display technology. iFire has developed a flat panel display that has full colour, video-response speed and is only a few millimetres thick. The company has demonstrated a 17-inch flat panel prototype video display and earlier this year made a significant breakthrough toward achieving commercial quality colour in its prototype displays. iFire Technology Inc. is a subsidiary of Westaim Corporation. Alberta-based Westaim and its subsidiaries employ more than 650 people in Canada with a strong emphasis on technology development. Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) is a technology investment fund established in 1996 to contribute to the achievement of Canada's objectives of increasing economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting sustainable development. TPC supports and advances government initiatives by investing strategically in research, development and innovation in order to encourage private sector investment, and so maintain and grow the technology base and technological capabilities of Canadian industry. TPC also encourages the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in all regions of Canada. Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework. For more information, please contact: Heidi Bonnell Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Industry (613) 995-9001 John Brunet Director, Aerospace & Defence  Technology Partnerships Canada (613) 941-6738 This news release and other documents are available on the TPC web site at: http://tpc.ic.gc.ca