April 17, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada
The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, will welcome more than 500 participants to the Western Innovation Forum on April 16–17, 2014, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hosted in collaboration with Mitacs and the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), this two-day event brings together innovators from across Western Canada to foster collaboration, partnerships and investment opportunities.
The Forum will feature keynote addresses highlighting initiatives across government that foster and support Canadian innovation. Minister Rempel will offer insight on Western Economic Diversification Canada’s role as convenor and pathfinder for western Canadian innovators in the business, academic, not-for-profit and government sectors. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, will focus on the federal government’s objective for the Defence Procurement Strategy to leverage purchases of defence equipment to create jobs and economic growth in Canada. In addition, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, will speak on Digital Canada 150, an ambitious path forward for Canadians and Canadian businesses to take full advantage of the opportunities of the digital age.
The two-day Forum offers a comprehensive program, including Business-to-Business/Government (B2B/G) meetings for aerospace, defence, marine and security companies, and an Innovation Stage that spotlights new ideas, products and processes to potential partners and investors.
Emily Goucher
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-954-8097
Email: emily.goucher@wd-deo.gc.ca
Chelsea Dibble
Communications Specialist
Mitacs
Telephone: 604-827-3094
Email: cdibble@mitacs.ca
Brian Berube
Director of Communications and Marketing
Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries
Telephone: 613-235-5337 ext. 43
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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