Calgary, Alberta, July 9, 2013 – Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Woman, announced the new Build in Canada Innovation Program, a commitment from Economic Action Plan 2012, at WestDef 2013.
“Our Government’s top priority is the economy and we understand that helping Canadian businesses expand and succeed directly benefits Canadian workers and families by creating jobs and prosperity,” said Minister Ambrose. “By supporting innovation designed right here in Canada, we are helping bring these businesses one step closer to moving their innovations into domestic and international markets.”
The Build in Canada Innovation Program is an Economic Action Plan 2012 commitment to add an additional $95 million over three years, starting in 2013–14, and $40 million per year thereafter to make the pilot program permanent. The pilot program was called the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP). Supporting innovation will allow Canadian innovators to grow and create additional high-value jobs, building the conditions necessary for the continued success of businesses that are the foundation of Canada’s prosperity.
WestDef 2013: Western Canada’s premier defence conference, brings together a broad cross-section of stakeholders associated with Canada’s defence, security, and aerospace industries, including owners of small and medium enterprises, manufacturers, government officials, and end users.
It is estimated that every billion dollars in defence and security spending creates or sustains 18,000 jobs and creates $710 million in gross domestic product. Canada’s defence and security industries employ, directly or indirectly, over 109,000 Canadians.
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Amber Irwin
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
819-997-5421
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