The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and the Honourable Doug Horner, Minister of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, today signed a new Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) that will support long-term economic growth and competitiveness in Alberta.
"Our Government wants to ensure Alberta's continued economic success in times of challenge and uncertainty,
'' said Minister of State Yelich. ''Today's investment will provide a boost to Alberta's economy, which is key for increasing the prosperity and competitiveness of the West.
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"This agreement provides vital support for programs that will add value in priority areas such as, energy and the environment, health and bioindustries,
" said Horner. "Alberta is strategically building a next generation economy through targeted support to grow high-tech sectors and to, importantly, commercialize those products and services.
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Funding provided through the Agreement will be used to develop projects that meet the joint federal-provincial priorities, including: technology commercialization; business productivity and competitiveness; trade and investment; and value-added processing.
The $50 million agreement builds on the history of Canada-Alberta economic development partnerships. This latest joint agreement, with equal contributions of $25 million from the Canadian and Alberta governments, brings the total WEPA investment by the federal and provincial governments in the four western provinces to $200 million.
Alberta Advanced Education and Technology works with other provincial departments, federal and municipal governments, and public and private institutions and organizations to encourage and support an entrepreneurial approach to science and technology and create a more diverse economy with more high quality jobs for Albertans and Canadians.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations, and communities to promote 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
www.wd.gc.ca
Donna Babchishin
Communications Director
Alberta Advanced Education and Technology
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel:780-422-1562
Cell:780-619-9523
Toll-Free Number within Alberta: 310-0000
http://www.advancededandtech.alberta.ca/
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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