February 25, 2011
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba will invest $400,000 in a private sector-led investment initiative aimed at creating jobs and economic growth by attracting increased international business investment to the city.
Funding provided under the Canada-Manitoba Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) will support the Yes! Winnipeg Investment Attraction Initiative.
"Our Government is committed to promoting trade and investment opportunities," said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State for Democratic Reform, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "Attracting new trade and investment to Winnipeg will help to diversify our economy, creating more jobs and opportunity in our communities."
"Winnipeg has a vibrant business community, full of entrepreneurial spirit. Our government is proud to support an initiative that nurtures this, while attracting investment and generating jobs," said the Honourable Peter Bjornson, Minister of Entrepreneurism, Training and Trade. "Our government is committed to supporting the businesses that make our economy strong."
The three year, $3.6 million Investment Attraction Initiative is expected to generate $12 million in direct investment, creating jobs through additional business opportunities.
This new initiative will promote Winnipeg to international site-selection and commercial real estate firms; encourage former Winnipeggers in senior positions to relocate their companies to the city; and partner with local real estate companies and key stakeholders to persuade clients to move to Winnipeg.
"Yes! Winnipeg builds on the conviction of Winnipeg's private sector leaders that our city is a great place to do business," said Bill Morrissey, Leader, Yes Winnipeg. "By mobilizing our community to strategically identify outside companies and investors, show them our compelling benefits, and then assist them in every step of the way, we can influence more to relocate here. At the same time, we will work closely with local entrepreneurs to help them expand and create new jobs."
Yes! Winnipeg is a division of Economic Development Winnipeg. The economic development strategy is supported by $4 million in private-sector pledges. It builds on the "Selling Winnipeg to the World" project, launched by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in 2008.
Under the Canada-Manitoba Western Economic Partnership Agreement, Canada and Manitoba are contributing $25 million each, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve the quality of life in western Canadian communities.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Brian Williamson
Communications, Winnipeg
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (204) 983-6243
John Thorpe
Communications Co-ordinator
Communication Services Manitoba
Telephone: (204) 945-4779
http://www.gov.mb.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.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
