July 23, 2009
Regina, Saskatchewan
Member of Parliament Tom Lukiwski, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, the Honourable Christine Tell, Saskatchewan Minister of Government Services on behalf of the Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Enterprise Saskatchewan, today announced a joint investment to create an export development program for incoming buyers at the Farm Progress Show. Funding is provided through the recently renewed Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA).
"Our Government is proud to support initiatives that open new markets for Canadian business," said Mr. Lukiwski. "This investment is about building a more competitive economy that will create new opportunities and new jobs."
The Western Canada Farm Progress Show (WCFPS) is the largest dryland farm technology show in the country. Attracting international buyers to the WCFPS is a key trade development component of the event. Recruiting international buyers will allow the industry to identify international business opportunities while mitigating some of the costs and risks for new market development.
"The Farm Progress show is an important event for Saskatchewan's agriculture sector," said Government Services Minister Christine Tell. "This funding will assist organizers to build on more opportunities to show-case our industry to buyers from across the globe."
"The International Program of the Western Canada Farm Progress Show is an integral part of its success for our exhibitors," said Mark Allan, President and CEO of Evraz Place. "This funding will enhance our capacity for international trade development at the show."
The investment of $338,000 announced today will allow Evraz Place to create an export development program for incoming buyers at the Western Canada Farm Progress Show. This project will introduce new buyers and retain existing buyers of agricultural equipment and related technologies. The project will provide opportunities to increase and maintain international sales and provide opportunities for foreign direct investment in Western Canada.
The Western Canada Farm Progress Show is a subsidiary of Evraz Place and has been in operation for 30 years.
The objective of the Canada-Saskatchewan WEPA is to develop Saskatchewan's small and medium-sized businesses, support economic and technological innovation, assist in economic diversification, and increase Aboriginal participation in the workforce.
Western Economic Diversification 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:
Joanne Mysak
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 975-5942
Deb Young
Communications Officer
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 787-6315
Denise Wanner
Evraz Place
Tel: (306) 781-9211
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
