Government of Canada promotes innovation for economic growth and jobs in Saskatchewan

News Release

Shortlisted superclusters initiatives will energize regional economies and create jobs

October 11, 2017 – Regina, Saskatchewan

The Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to growing the economy and creating middle-class jobs for Canadians by moving forward with the Innovation Superclusters Initiative. The Initiative will leverage a federal investment of up to $950 million to generate public-private partnerships in innovative industries across the country.

Superclusters will energize regional economies and help build a skilled workforce, enhance Canada’s global competitiveness and create thousands of well-paying jobs for this generation and the next.

Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, was at AGT Foods Regina to announce the shortlisted supercluster applicant from Saskatchewan.

The Protein Innovations Canada (PIC) Supercluster would position Canada as the world’s paramount supplier of plant-based proteins and related products.

Of more than 50 proposals, involving over 1,000 firms and 350 other participants, nine have been shortlisted and up to five will be selected as Canada’s new superclusters.

The Innovation Superclusters Initiative is a centrepiece of the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan, which is preparing Canada for a changing economy.

Quotes

“Our government’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative has started conversations and created solid partnerships between government, the private sector, academia and communities. In today’s knowledge-based economy, this collaboration is essential. Together, we are building the economy of the future, creating the jobs of today and tomorrow, and gearing up for global success that will benefit all Canadians.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Canada is the world’s largest exporter of pulses, canola, flax and durum wheat—much of it from Saskatchewan, the province that’s home to more than 40 percent of Canada’s arable farmland. Combine that rich asset with the constant innovation of world-class producers, agri-businesses, service providers and scientists and a strong history of rural ingenuity, and you’ve got a solid foundation upon which a supercluster initiative in agriculture and agri-food will flourish. The potential to drive greater productivity, diversification and value-added growth is truly exciting. I’m delighted to see the terrific agricultural leadership and expertise in Saskatchewan reflected in the shortlisting of Protein Innovations Canada as the host of a potential new Canadian supercluster!”

– The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Quick Facts

  • In addition to Minister Goodale’s announcement, Minister Bains is announcing the other shortlisted superclusters applicants during a cross-country tour that includes stops in Halifax, Montréal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

  • Superclusters are dense areas of business activity where many of the middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow are created. They attract large and small companies that collaborate with universities, colleges or not-for-profit organizations to turn ideas into solutions that can be brought to market.

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Associated Links

Contacts

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

Karl W. Sasseville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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