As part of the Harper Government’s Economic Action Plan 2012, Rodney Weston, MP for Saint John, today announced an investment of more than $2.9 million for Mariner Partners Inc., which will help build research expertise in New Brunswick. “Our Government’s top priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. We recognize that innovation and research and development are crucial to a competitive economy and the creation of new, high-value jobs,” said MP Weston, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. “The Mariner project will focus on delivering the next generation internet monitoring solution to service delivery companies offering TV and video to mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads. This leading-edge technology will contribute to economic growth in Atlantic Canada and is a demonstration of the region’s capacity to play in the global technology marketplace.” The funding announced today is part of a total investment of close to $49 million being made in 21 innovative research and development (R&D) projects in Atlantic Canada under Competitive Round 2011 of the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF). In New Brunswick, the Harper Government is investing more than $15 million in seven new R&D projects under AIF. The Request for Letters of Intent and Project Proposals for AIF Competitive Round 2012 is now underway. Private sector enterprises, universities, colleges and research organizations are invited to submit a letter of intent by 2:00 p.m. on June 28, 2012, followed by a project proposal by 2:00 p.m. on September 26, 2012, to apply for funding. The Atlantic Innovation Fund encourages partnerships among private sector firms, universities, colleges and other research institutions to develop new or improved products and services. Hundreds of technologies, products, processes and services developed with the support of the AIF were successfully commercialized, resulting in millions of dollars in incremental sales. For a complete list of AIF-funded projects, visit www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.