Small- and medium-sized companies in Alberta now have greater access to the business tools, resources and services needed to improve their productivity and competitiveness, thanks to government funding.
Through the Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA), the Governments of Canada and Alberta are contributing $2.4 million each, for a total of $4.8 million, towards the Productivity Alberta initiative to support firms in realizing productivity gains through cost reductions in their operations, improved processes, and more effective management of assets.
"This investment will provide small and medium-sized businesses with the resources to succeed in today's competitive global market place," said James Rajotte, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Leduc, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "This will help businesses grow, and create even more jobs in our communities."
"This funding will enable Productivity Alberta to significantly expand services and products to rural, small- and medium-sized businesses throughout Alberta," said Doug Griffiths, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Alberta Finance and Enterprise. "Connecting businesses with the tools they need to improve their productivity and competitiveness is key to Alberta's overall economic sustainability."
Funding for Productivity Alberta is supporting key activities such as implementing an online tool to assess productivity performance, connecting companies with technology-based solutions, providing supply chain training, and developing a program to improve energy efficiency among manufacturers.
As an industry-guided service that works collaboratively with organizations across the province, Productivity Alberta's mandate is to enhance value-added activity, increase innovation, and help build a skilled workforce to improve the long-run competitiveness and sustainability of Alberta's economy. More information about Productivity Alberta can be found at http://www.productivityalberta.ca/.
The investments by the Governments of Canada and Alberta are made through the Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement. Through this agreement, Canada and Alberta are jointly contributing $50 million, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in Alberta communities.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel.: (780) 495-6892
Bart Johnson
Director, Communications
Alberta Finance and Enterprise
Tel.: (780) 427-5364
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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