September 02, 2008, Victoria, British Columbia - The Government of Canada is supporting the Greater Victoria Development Agency in its efforts to promote business growth and competitiveness in Greater Victoria.
The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, announced a $225,000 investment today through the Western Diversification Program, 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.
"Long-term economic prosperity requires vision and leadership," said Minister Lunn. "Our Government is proud to support the Greater Victoria Development Agency in its efforts to develop and implement a strategic plan to achieve its goals for business growth."
The Greater Victoria Development Agency, a division of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, will develop the tools and materials necessary to assist in regional business retention and the attraction of new industry. Funding will help enhance the Agency's website, develop a new contact management system, implement a business retention strategy, and promote the region nationally and internationally to attract needed skilled labour, new investors and new businesses.
"The funding announced today by Minister Lunn on behalf of Western Economic Diversification plays a significant role in our continued efforts to grow and diversify the economy of the Greater Victoria region", said Sasha Angus, Economic Development Officer with the Greater Victoria Development Agency. "The tools and resources that this funding will help develop will create more business opportunities in the region, bringing even brighter employment prospects to the citizens of our region."
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has been in operation since 1878, with over 1,500 members representing Greater Victoria's diverse business community. As the second largest Chamber of Commerce in British Columbia its mandate is to ensure Greater Victoria is a vibrant and prosperous place to conduct business.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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