Harper Government Supports Research Innovation in Western Canada

News Release

January 20, 2015 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Western Economic Diversification Canada

Corresponding Document : Photo Gallery

Western Canadian research parks will be better placed to develop foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities thanks to a $125,000 investment announced today by the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. This investment, through the Western Diversification Program (WDP), will assist the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) Canada in linking foreign investors with western Canadian innovation companies.

Attracting global investment is increasingly important in driving innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. This project will focus on attracting investment for five priority sectors: information and communications technology, biotechnology, clean or environmental technology, ocean technology, and nanotechnology. Funding will also assist AURP in building a best practices guide to assist western research parks in securing further investment into the future.

This investment, in an important part of the Canadian innovation infrastructure, will help create jobs and stimulate economic growth for western Canada.

Quick Facts

Currently, western Canadian research parks are contributing an estimated $1.092 billion to the Canadian economy.
AURP Canada works to develop partnerships with universities, municipal, provincial and federal governments, as well as economic development agencies, with the goal of sharing ideas and resources to inspire innovation and growth.
AURP Canada represents 26 research and technology parks across Canada; of those, six are located in western Canada: Vancouver Island Technology Park, Discovery Park (University of British Columbia), Innovate Calgary, Edmonton Research and Technology Park, Innovation Place (Saskatchewan), and SmartPark (University of Manitoba).

Quotes

“Research and technology parks are an important part of the innovation infrastructure in Canada. Our Government’s investment will increase the foreign profile of western Canadian companies, create new jobs, and stimulate economic growth.”

- Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

“Western Economic Diversification Canada has been a great supporter of AURP Canada and its research and technology parks in Western Canada. Moreover, Minister Rempel has a deep understanding of the impact of research, development and commercialization on our national economy. We are pleased to work with Western Economic Diversification Canada on this project to advance not only the research and technology parks in the Western region but those throughout Canada as well.”

- Larry Shaw, President AURP Canada

Additional Links

Contacts

Emily Goucher
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 613-954-8097
Email: emily.goucher@wd-deo.gc.ca

Laura O’Blenis
Founding Association Director & Project Manager
AURP Canada
Telephone: 506-206-2149
Email: laura@thinkstiletto.com

WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at
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Harper Government Supports Research Innovation in Western Canada

News Release

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