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

EDMONTON, Sept. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - 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.

Backgrounder

Towards a Western Canada Growth Strategy

September 14, 2018 – Edmonton, Alberta – Western Economic Diversification Canada

The Western Canada Growth Strategy will be a roadmap to build an innovative and diverse western Canadian economy by:

• Identifying shared priorities to grow the economy;
• Increasing collaboration with those who make a difference in your economy, such as business, industry, academia, Indigenous Peoples, and different levels of government; and
• Engaging western Canadians to drive economic growth opportunities.

Understanding the needs of businesses, thought leaders, Indigenous Peoples, rural communities, women, youth, and new immigrants, the strategy will help western Canadians pursue new opportunities for growth, including:

• Growing emerging industries and transforming traditional sectors;
• Diversifying exports and capturing rising demand from emerging markets;
• Making small businesses more competitive and helping them to scale-up;
• Increasing entrepreneurship opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and new immigrants;
• Helping get innovative products and services developed and into the hands of consumers; and
• Equipping western Canadians with the skills they need in the new economy.

At its core, the Strategy will aim to stimulate economic growth, create middle-class jobs and drive innovation in the West.

Related products

News Release: Western Canada Growth Strategy engagement launches across the West

Associated links

• Western Canada Growth Strategy
• Innovation and Skills Plan
• Building an inclusive and innovative Canada
• Backgrounder: Investing in Regional Innovation and Development

Follow the department on Twitter: @ISED_CA, @WD_Canada

SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada

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, [email protected]; Media Relations, Western Economic Diversification Canada, 613-227-7393, [email protected]