A series of new outreach initiatives will strengthen British Columbia’s wireless industry sector by developing a range of new business opportunities. These include measures to accelerate innovation, achieve commercialization and build new partnerships between wireless companies across the province and internationally.

Through Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Government of Canada is investing $165,000 in the Wireless Innovation Network Society of B.C. (WINBC) for a variety of activities designed to nurture the emerging wireless cluster in British Columbia including: a wireless cluster survey, industry partnering events, marketing and promotion, strategic partnership development, and an annual Service Provider Investment Forum.

“Through our investment of $165,000, the Government of Canada is strengthening the business advantage of B.C.’s wireless sector and helping to grow Canada’s already strong and respected technology industry,” said Russ Hiebert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “Enabling Canadians to turn their ideas into reality gives us a competitive edge in the global economy.”

“Having Western Economic Diversification Canada invest in WINBC is a testament to the federal government’s ongoing support of the future of wireless technologies and services in BC. It will help our fast-growing wireless technology association to champion the growth and sustainability of BC as one of the world’s leading wireless clusters,” said Michael Bidu, Executive Director of WINBC. “Wireless is where the whole world is going.”

Representing more than 250 member companies, the Wireless Innovation Network Society of B.C. is the focal point for wireless in British Columbia. The organization brings this diverse sector closer together by fostering collaboration among early-stage wireless companies in B.C.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.

For additional information, contact:

Karl Yeh
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-4714

Michael Bidu
Executive Director
Wireless Innovation Network Society of B.C. (WINBC)
(604) 602-5231
Web site: http://www.winbc.org/