The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and The Honourable Lyle Stewart, Saskatchewan Minister of Enterprise and Innovation, today signed a new Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) that will support long-term economic growth and competitiveness in Saskatchewan.
"Western Economic Partnership Agreements are a win-win and will stimulate the economy in Western Canada, which is essential to increasing the competitiveness of the West," said Minister of State Yelich. "Today's investment will help Canada meet the challenges of today and build a dynamic western Canadian economy that will create opportunities for families and communities."
"Saskatchewan is pleased to partner in this joint funding agreement. It will make a huge difference in achieving continued economic development and provide support for research and technology development, and commercialization," Minister Stewart said. "Through WEPA we will be able to build on our achievements to meet our economic goals both at the local and international level."
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will each commit $25 million for a total of $50 million over the next four years to the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement. WEPA's are designed to respond to regional needs that are consistent with national economic development policies and will focus on: supporting knowledge-based research and development; supporting trade and investment opportunities; increase value-added opportunities in traditional and primary resource industries; working with western Canadian businesses, industry and research organizations to enhance business productivity and competitiveness; and develop opportunities for greater Aboriginal participation in the economy.
The $25-million federal allocation for Saskatchewan is part of a $100-million Government of Canada investment in the West through the WEPA's. This brings the total federal-provincial investment in the four western provinces to $200-million.
Western Economic Diversification Canada, in partnership with the provinces, industry associations, and communities, promotes the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:>
Lisa Hutniak
Senior Special Assistant - Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Western Economic Diversification
Tel: (613) 952-9831
Cell: (613) 286-0807
Joanne Johnson
Public Affairs
Enterprise and Innovation
Regina, Saskatchewan
Tel: 306-787-1691
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Western Economic Partnership Agreements (WEPAs) are multi-year federal-provincial funding commitments to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in western Canadian communities. Through the agreements, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and each western province provide a matching contribution, enabling signifcant investments to fund projects that support federal and provincial priorities. The new series of agreements, will allocate $25 million in funding for each of the western provinces will be matched by the provincial governments for a total investment of $200 million.
In Saskatchewan, Western Economic Diversification Canada will provide $25 million in funding and the Province of Saskatchewan will provide a matching contribution, enabling investments totalling up to $50 million. Western Economic Diversification Canada and Enterprise Saskatchewan will jointly administer the Canada-Saskatchewan WEPA, to be delivered over four years.
The purpose of the Canada-Saskatchewan WEPA is to target the joint strategic priorities whereby Canada and Saskatchewan will work together and with other interested stakeholders to help create innovative, entrepreneurial, and sustainable communities.
Canada-Saskatchewan Joint WEPA Priorities:
For more information about the Canada-Saskatchewan WEPA, please call: 1 888 338-WEST (9378)
