April 16, 2015 – Vancouver, B.C. – Public Works and Government Services Canada
Today the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, hosted a Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) Showcase at the Western Innovation Forum. The event highlighted how the BCIP supports jobs and growth by helping companies get their innovative products from the lab to the marketplace. Minister Finley was joined by the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Nicole Verkindt, President of OMX, who, along with the ministers, acted as a panelist for the showcase.
Two companies from British Columbia that have participated in the BCIP, CommandWear Systems Inc. and NGRAIN, demonstrated their cutting-edge products and answered questions from the panelists about how participating in the program has impacted their businesses. Minister Finley encouraged entrepreneurs, across Canada to submit their products as part of the next round of requests for proposals.
The BCIP helps Canadian businesses move their cutting-edge goods and services from the lab to the marketplace. Through this program, the federal government acts as a first buyer of new technology. Companies and their innovations are matched with government departments who could use their innovations to fill a business need. Having made a sale to the Government of Canada, businesses can demonstrate the value of their products and services to potential customers in Canada – and around the world. Successful sales translate into jobs, and jobs lead to prosperity for hard-working Canadians and their families. This program is just one of the many ways the Government of Canada supports small and medium businesses across Canada.
Minister Finley also highlighted the Government’s Defence Procurement Strategy, which marks the most significant and fundamental shift in federal defence procurement in 30 years.
Marcel Poulin
Office of the Honourable Diane Finley
819-997-5421
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
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