Notes for an address by

The Honourable Lynne Yelich
Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

Tour/Photo Opportunity

Check Against Delivery

Thank you.

Good morning everyone. It’s a pleasure to be here today on behalf of our government and my department, Western Economic Diversification.

I’d like to thank Dan and the Food Centre staff for hosting us today.

I’m looking forward to learning about the new products being developed and produced by the Centre.

I always enjoy having the opportunity to see firsthand the real result of our government’s investments, and how they are benefitting the western economy and the lives of Canadians.

Through investments in projects such as this, my department is creating a more diversified western Canadian economy, and helping people, organizations and communities excel.

The Government of Canada recognizes that a productive and competitive economy – regionally, nationally, and internationally – is dependent on technological advancements.

But new technology alone won’t create a strong economy. 

The key is to commercialize technology discoveries into new products with broad appeal.

Just like the Food Centre has done with Muscle Bird Nutrition to process ostrich meat into a high-protein, low fat jerky.

Its value-added products like these that help the agriculture sector and food processors create a stronger economy, while enhancing a healthy lifestyle.

There are many examples of projects of this nature which WD has supported, including here at the Food Centre. Between 2008 and 2009, WD contributed over $650,000 to purchase, install and equip the extruder to help local producers develop new products.

This machine uses extrusion technology to enable processors to test seeds and plant-based materials for new snack foods as well as pet-food products.

And literally, just around the corner is another project WD has contributed to: the Toxicology Centre.

Utilizing a WD investment, the centre was outfitted with the scientific equipment required to identify toxins in natural and man-made substances.

With international validation affirmed, this new method is expected to become the new industry standard for testing toxins on hormone disrupting activity.

We are also working with the Saskatchewan Research Council to develop a new commercial DNA test to identify wheat varieties and classes.

And with the help of another WD investment, Springboard West Innovations works with Saskatchewan inventors and innovators to turn their ideas into commercial reality.

These examples illustrate how WD works with industry and research organizations to commercialize new products which contribute to a stronger, more diversified economy.

I want to congratulate the staff here at the Food Centre for your ongoing work with local food processors to maximize the opportunities this centre brings our agricultural sector.

These opportunities, in turn, enhance the valuable impact Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector brings to Canada’s economy.

Together, we are building a stronger West for a stronger Canada.

Thank you.