July 12, 2010
Calgary, Alberta
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, provided remarks today at the Alberta Defence Industries Symposium and outlined the Government of Canada’s continued support for Western Canada’s aerospace and defence sector.
“Our Government is proud to support this important sector that strengthens our economy and creates jobs and opportunity in our communities,” said Minister Yelich.
Through the Government of Canada’s Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) policy, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is helping to facilitate industry opportunities for western Canadian firms. Activities include identifying key federal procurement opportunities for the West, as well as promoting western Canadian businesses and connecting them with global aerospace and defence companies.
“We are committed to strengthening the Western Canadian economy by securing high-quality IRBs and promoting partnerships that will create even more growth,” added Minister Yelich.
An example of our commitment would be WD’s previous investment towards the Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems in Medicine Hat, Alberta, which is leading to industry-wide benefits for small and medium-sized businesses. The Centre is a not-for-profit organization that is striving to be the design, development, testing, evaluating and commercialization hub for Canada’s unmanned vehicle systems industry.
Industrial and Regional Benefits consist of contracts awarded to Canadian companies and investments made in high-technology sectors of the Canadian economy by successful bidders on federal defence procurement projects.
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:
Lloyd Suchet
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
lloyd.suchet@wd-deo.gc.ca
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.
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