Western Canada's Clean Tech Ecosystem Gains Greater Access to Global Markets

Minister Chagger announces investment to enhance global profile of Western Canadian clean technology companies  

VICTORIA, Jan. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Cleantech companies in British Columbia will now have additional support as they work to develop a global marketing initiative that will generate growth and jobs across Western Canada.

Today, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons announced a new Government of Canada investment of just over $785,000 for the Alacrity Foundation of B.C. as they work with BC's clean technologies sector to pursue new opportunities in markets around the world.

Minister Chagger made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

There are approximately 270 clean technology companies in British Columbia, comprising close to one quarter of all Canadian clean technology companies. A number are market-ready, yet need additional support as they work to scale-up their business. The Alacrity Foundation of B.C. will help connect interested investors with local clean technology entrepreneurs keen to access a large and growing global market.

Quick Facts

• B.C.'s clean tech cluster is expected to produce $2.9 billion in revenue in 2017.
• Since 2009, companies supported by the Alacrity Foundation in Victoria and Vancouver have employed more than 200 people and have had a direct economic impact of $300 million in Western Canada.

Quotes

"Our government believes that a strong economy and a clean environment should go hand-in-hand and we are committed to supporting a strong, sustainable Canadian clean technology sector, from coast to coast to coast. With today's announced investment in Alacrity, we are working with an important partner as they support the growing clean tech cluster here in British Columbia, and help them sell their innovations to new markets around the world."
- The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"Western Economic Diversification Canada's investment in Alacrity is a major vote of confidence in B.C.'s thriving clean tech sector.  The Government of British Columbia supports Alacrity as part of our broader effort to help innovative clean tech businesses scale-up and to create well-paying jobs across the province."
- The Honourable Bruce Ralston, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology

"Alacrity Canada is honoured to receive the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Province of British Columbia. We're passionate about supporting entrepreneurship and working with our Alacrity partners around the world to bring Canadian innovation to customers globally. This funding will enable companies in the clean tech sector to expand their opportunities, leave a lasting impact on business in British Columbia, and contribute to a cleaner world for the future." 
- Owen Matthews, Chairman, Alacrity Canada

Additional Links

• Alacrity Canada

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IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada

For further information: Ben Stanford, Regional Communications Manager, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Telephone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Richard Egli, Managing Director, Alacrity Foundation of British Columbia, Telephone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]