NEWS RELEASES
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND CITY OF OTTAWA PARTNER TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT
June 1, 2001 (9:20 a.m. EDT)
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND CITY OF OTTAWA
PARTNER TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT
International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew and Industry Minister Brian Tobin today announced
a contribution of $224 500 from the Government of Canada to brand Ottawa as a prime location
for new foreign investment.
This contribution will go toward the Maintain the Momentum project of the recently merged
Ottawa Economic Development Corporation and the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation
(OCRI). The City of Ottawa, the Province of Ontario and several private sector organizations will
also be major contributors to this $1.9 million initiative.
"Foreign investment brings new technologies, ideas and jobs to Canadian communities," said
Minister Pettigrew. "Our support will help Ottawa more actively promote its investment
advantages and strengthen its position as a global technology centre."
"A highly skilled workforce, excellent business climate and renowned technology clusters make
the Ottawa area a premier investment location," said Minister Tobin. "The Government of
Canada is proud to be part of partnerships that have direct positive impacts on Canadian
communities."
The funding comes from the Program for Export Market Development - Investment (PEMD-I). A
key objective of the program is to help communities become investment ready and attract
potential foreign investors. As with the Team Canada approach, the PEMD-I program is built on
co-operation between different levels of government and local businesses. PEMD-I is jointly
administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada and
Investment Partnerships Canada.
The Maintain the Momentum project is designed to promote Ottawa as a global technology
centre. Ottawa Mayor Bob Chiarelli stated that, "the Government of Canada's assistance will
help boost awareness of Ottawa's technology and investment advantages in key investment
markets abroad, particularly in the U.S."
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sébastien Théberge
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
Heidi Bonnell
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001
Dennis Gibson
Investment Partnerships Canada
(613) 941-3555
Michael Darch
OCRI
(613) 236-3500 ext. 236
This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's
Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
|