Western Economic Diversification Canada
www.wd-deo.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
News Releases
Canada and Manitoba Sign Agreement to Invest in Economy
Minister Swan and Minister of State Yelich after signing the Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA).
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and the Honourable Andrew Swan, Manitoba Minister of Competitiveness, Training, and Trade, today signed a new Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement that will support long-term economic growth and competitiveness in Manitoba.
“Canada’s prosperity depends not just on meeting the challenges of today, but on building a dynamic economy that will create opportunities for Canadians in the future
”, said Minister of State Yelich. “Through the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement, we are demonstrating our commitment towards ensuring Manitoba’s continued success in this time of global economic uncertainty.
”
“This agreement is a great example of two governments working cooperatively to boost economic development in Manitoba,
” said Minister Swan. “Effective partnerships are key elements of building a strong and healthy province.
”
The Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement is a joint federal-provincial agreement that will see each government commit $25 million for a total of $50 million over the next four years to build upon a history of successful federal-provincial economic development partnerships. The Agreement provides a means for federal-provincial cooperation to further strengthen and diversify Manitoba’s economy, enhance the skills of Manitoba’s workforce and promote regional development.
Canada and Manitoba will work together with economic organizations, non-profit community organizations and service delivery agencies, on five strategic economic priorities that focus on: supporting knowledge-based research and development; increasing value-added production; supporting trade and investment promotion; enhancing productivity and competitiveness; and promoting economic development through tourism opportunities. These priorities will promote and support the long-term and sustainable economic development of Manitoba. The $25 million federal contribution for Manitoba is part of a $100 million Government of Canada investment in the West through the Western Economic Partnership Agreements. This brings the total federal-provincial investment in the four western provinces to $200 million.
Western Economic Diversification Canada, in partnership with the provinces, industry associations, and communities promotes the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.
Manitoba’s department of Competitiveness, Training and Trade is committed to supporting growth for Manitoba business, meeting provincial labour demands, increasing training opportunities and expanding trade relations around the world.
For additional information, contact:
Lisa Hutniak
Senior Special Assistant – Communications
Officer of the Minister of State – Western Economic Diversification
Tel: (613) 952-9831
Cell: (613) 286-0807
Joe Czech
Communications Coordinator
Communication Services Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tel: (204) 945-6778
http://www.gov.mb.ca/
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
Backgrounder
Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement
Western Economic Partnership Agreements
Western Economic Partnership Agreements (WEPAs) are multi-year federal-provincial funding commitments to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in western Canadian communities. Through the agreements, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and each western province provide a matching contribution, enabling signifcant investments to fund projects that support federal and provincial priorities. The new series of agreements, will allocate $25 million in funding for each of the western provinces will be matched by the provincial governments for a total investment of $200 million.
In Manitoba
In Manitoba, Western Economic Diversification Canada will provide $25 million in funding and the Province of Manitoba will provide a matching contribution, enabling investments totalling up to $50 million. Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Manitoba Ministry of Competitiveness, Training, and Trade will jointly administer the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement, to be delivered over four years.
The purpose of the Canada-Manitoba WEPA is to target the joint strategic priorities whereby Canada and Manitoba will work together and with other interested stakeholders to help create innovative, entrepreneurial, and sustainable communities.
Canada-Manitoba Joint WEPA Priorities:
- Support Knowledge Based Research and Development – Stimulate innovation through the enhancement and use of Manitoba’s existing knowledge–based infrastructure (post-secondary institutions, research facilities, etc.); and strengthen and continue to build Manitoba’s business clusters.
- Increase Value-Added Production in Traditional Industries – Conduct research and support the development of new or improved products, technologies or innovations; support the development and diversification of northern Manitoba’s natural resource industries; and support the development of human resources.
- Support Trade and Investment Promotion – Capitalize on Manitoba’s mid-continent location, extensive intermodal transportation network; promote Manitoba as a gateway to other provinces and international markets; and support programs and services that will enhance foreign investment opportunities in Manitoba through targeted immigration initiatives.
- Enhance Productivity and Competitiveness – Provide support to Manitoba’s established and emerging industry clusters through commercialization and investments; provide support to projects that encourage the development and adoption of leading-edge technology and processes; and address labour and skills shortages through development and training initiatives with industry associations and post-secondary institutions.
- Promote Economic Development through Tourism Opportunities – Support initiatives that will significantly develop Manitoba’s tourism industry and create opportunities for economic growth and diversification in all regions of the province.
For more information on projects funded under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement, visit: www.epa.gov.mb.ca
Archives : 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
