Government of Canada Announces New Funding and Engagement Plan in Alberta for Western Canada Growth Strategy
Strategy aims to grow the economy and create middle-class jobs by building on Alberta’s unique strengths and competitive advantages
September 14, 2018 – Edmonton, Alberta – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Our government is supporting economic growth and creating good middle-class jobs in Alberta and across western Canada.
As announced in Budget 2018, the Government is committing $208 million over five years to promote the development and diversification of the western Canadian economy. This is why, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, and Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), today launched an engagement plan to develop a regional growth strategy with western Canadians for western Canadians.
From coast to coast to coast, Canada’s economy is as diverse as its landscapes, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. This strategy will grow Alberta’s economy, create good middle-class jobs, and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity across the four western provinces. It also builds on the Innovation and Skills Plan to make Canada a world leader in innovation and create good middle-class jobs.
Albertans are invited to share their ideas online to help shape the Western Canada Growth Strategy. Over the fall, roundtable discussions will take place in major cities across Western Canada with businesses, different levels of government, thought leaders, Indigenous Peoples, rural communities, women, youth, and new immigrants to develop a new, targeted approach to economic development with a focus on innovation.
Quotes
“Our government is building a vibrant economic future for Western Canada. The Western Canada Growth Strategy is a step forward in the Innovation and Skills Plan to strengthen Canada’s position as a centre of innovation and grow the middle class. By engaging Albertans in the development of this strategy, we are developing a tailored approach that leverages regional strengths and opportunities to build an innovative and inclusive economy in Western Canada.”
– The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods
“Hearing from the very people who will benefit from a stronger economy in Western Canada is an important way to ensure that we remain competitive in today’s global marketplace. The input we receive will shape the roadmap to strengthen Western Canada by stimulating the economy and increasing job opportunities for all Canadians including Indigenous Peoples, women and youth.”
– Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues
Quick facts
- The Western Canada Growth Strategy will be a roadmap to build an innovative Western Canada – one that strengthens the economy, supports innovative and resource-based industries, and increases job opportunities for all Canadians.
- Alberta is home to 37% of the western population and 27% of Indigenous Peoples in Western Canada are located in Alberta.
- Alberta’s GDP increased by 4.9% in 2017 to $304.7B, growing faster than any other province.
- In 2017, Alberta’s exports were second highest in value among provinces in Canada.
- Almost 175,000 small and medium-sized businesses are based in Alberta.
- Two of Canada’s top 15 research universities are located in Alberta.
Related products
Associated links
- Western Canada Growth Strategy
- Innovation and Skills Plan
- Building an inclusive and innovative Canada
- Backgrounder: Investing in Regional Innovation and Development
Contacts
Nilani Logeswaran
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2849
613-668-1794
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
Media Relations
Western Economic Diversification Canada
613-227-7393
wd.media-medias.deo@canada.ca
NT5
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