July 22, 2008
Vancouver, British Columbia
More entrepreneurs in emerging technology-focused businesses will be able to grow and develop their enterprises through a mentoring program known as Linx, thanks to a Government of Canada investment designed to strengthen British Columbia's technology sector through leading-edge business programs.
Federal funding of $681,500 was announced today by Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
"The Government of Canada is strengthening Canada's science and technology sector by promoting Linx, a two-year program dedicated to increasing entrepreneurship, skills development and support networks," said MP Cannan. "Through this investment, the Government is doing its part to ensure that Canada is well positioned for success in the global knowledge-based economy."
Today's investment of $681,500 through Western Economic Diversification Canada will address the needs of technology entrepreneurs and researchers at seven of B.C.'s nine regional science and technology councils. Linx funding of $182,500 was previously announced for the remaining two regional councils in Kelowna and Victoria. The four Linx program modules are focused on mentoring, networking, human resourcing, and financing.
"This program will assist the nine regional councils who make up the BC Regional Science and Technology Network (BCRSTN), and who partner with BC Innovation Council, to help connect local innovators and technology entrepreneurs with the resources and information they need to prosper and grow," said Dan Gunn, BCRSTN chair, and Executive Director of VIATeC. "The BCRSTN is delighted to have the opportunity to help regional B.C.'s thriving advanced technology sector, which is estimated to generate $4.1 billion in annual revenues and employ more than 30,000 people."
Canadian technology networks and associated councils play a leadership role in B.C.'s dominate standing within the technology industry. Today's funding supports the British Columbia Regional Science and Technology Network's aim to promote the application of science and technology and develop innovative businesses in B.C.
"The Linx program is a successful collaboration, promoting continued growth of technology companies in British Columbia", said Soren Harbel, Vice President, Innovation Development, British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC). "BCIC strongly supports the program and its development of mentorship, talent and collaboration in the province. Its unique suite of programs will give tech entrepreneurs the resources they need to thrive."
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Pierre Floréa
Director of CommunicationsOffice of the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
(613) 943-1838
Nevin Thompson
Regional Collaboration Manager
BC Innovation Council
(250) 216-9189
