Western Economic Diversification Canada
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Federal Funds to Strengthen 2010 Winter Games Economic Opportunities
Today, the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced five projects designed to take full advantage of the tremendous economic opportunities provided by the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
"Our Government is ensuring that Canada is poised to maximize the economic benefits this unique opportunity provides,
" said Minister Day. "We are ready to showcase our commercial strengths to the world, and draw more investment and business to Canada.
"
"The Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the best we have to offer to the world,
" said B.C. Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC Mary McNeil.
Total federal funding of more than $6.2 million for the five projects is being provided through Western Economic Diversification Canada under the Western Diversification Program, and the Western Economic Partnership Agreement, an initiative with the Province of British Columbia.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote 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.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Howes
Communications Manager- British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (604) 666-1318
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder
On September 18, 2009, the Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), announced funding of more than $6.2 Million to go towards five 2010-themed projects across British Columbia and Western Canada.
1. Tourism Alliance for Western Canada: Pan-western Tourism Marketing Opportunities
The Tourism Alliance for Western Canada is receiving $4.3 million in WD funding to leverage marketing opportunities and tourism attraction activities
leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Games. The goal of the program is to increase international tourism revenues in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in the years that follow the 2010 Winter Games.
In B.C., activities will include development and dissemination of video and still imagery, television ads, online content development; story development; logistical assistance; promotional materials (print and electronic); search engine, database and direct marketing; cooperative marketing programs; and sales missions.
Contact:
Greg Dickson, Communications Manager
BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat
Phone: 604 660-2923
2. Metro Vancouver Commerce: The 2010 Partnership Investment Program
The Vancouver Economic Development Commission, on behalf of Metro Vancouver Commerce, will develop a program to attract and engage foreign investment decision makers during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This initiative is receiving $804,888 in WD support and will include a series of peer-to-peer activities including a tailored Olympic experience, whereby Western Canada's attractive business climate will be showcased to the world.
Contact:
Jamie Hunter, 2010 Business Project Manager
Metro Vancouver Commerce
Phone: 778 389-8947
With a federal Western Economic Partnership Agreement investment from WD of $600,000, the B.C. Ministry of Finance will redevelop the interior of Robson Square into three distinct, but connected, feature areas with an emphasis on the Asia Pacific Gateway and Western trade corridors. This includes developing and installing interactive multimedia content, hardware and electrical infrastructure in an 'Experiential Corridor' featuring leading edge animation and movie set special effects that transport visitors on a journey across all four western provinces. (The corridor links the 2010 BC Showcase with corporate hosting space.)
Contact:
Greg Dickson, Communications Manager
BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat
Phone: 604 660-2923
4. Wireless Innovation Network of B.C.: 2010 Commerce Centre Technology Showcase
A WD investment of $300,000 for the Wireless Innovation Network of B.C. (WINBC) will help establish a Technology Showcase that highlights the talents and expertise of wireless/new media companies across British Columbia to more than 30,000 visitors at the 2010 Commerce Centre. During the 2010 Winter Games, the Centre, located at Robson Square, will act as a business and international media centre and host various trade and investment events. The Technology Showcase will feature a Digital Video Showcase, a Web-Based Industry Asset Browser, a Mobile and Digital Service Showcase, and a Physical Showcase. At least 100 B.C. wireless and digital media companies will be included in the Web-Based Browser and some 40 companies will be featured in the Video Showcase. A Service Showcase will also provide advanced communication services to some 1,500 non-accredited media who will be hosted at the 2010 Commerce Centre.
Contact:
Michael Bidu, Executive Director
WINBC
Phone: 604 602-5237
5. Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association: B.C. Hydrogen Highway 2010
With a WD investment of $200,000, the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) will showcase the 'BC Hydrogen Highway' during the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games through a series of product demonstrations and other marketing activities. The BC Hydrogen Highway 2010 campaign includes display and demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell related products at various 2010 Games' venues, production of print and internet marketing materials, advertising, and project management.
The BC Hydrogen Highway is a broad initiative designed to develop and demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
Contact:
Javis Lui, Communications Manager
Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association
Phone: 778 238-6142
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