Media Centre - Headlines
Here's where you can find information on announcements made by WD. Look through the complete listing of news releases, past or present. Search our media centre database or subscribe to our news notification service. For more information about WD programs, investments and results, visit our fact sheets section. If you are a journalist and can't find what you're looking for, WD media contacts will be pleased to assist.
Hats Off to Manitoba Entrepreneurs Celebrating Small
Business Week
October 13, 2006
Tell Us About Us Inc. hosted the launch of Small Business
Week in Manitoba.
From left to right: Bob Cavanaugh, the Honourable Jim Rondeau, Graham Starmer,
Steven Fletcher, M.P., and Len Trotter.
Winnipeg, Manitoba – Federal and provincial officials
saluted the contribution of small business to the nation’s economy as
they launched a week of celebrations and activities honouring small business.
Canada's New Government helps SFU expand Health Research Program
October 13, 2006
Vancouver, British Columbia — Research into health and
life sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU) today received a major boost
with an investment of $700,000 from Canada’s New Government through Western
Economic Diversification Canada to acquire a new Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Spectrometer.
Four Year Micro Loan Program Offers Small Business Financing
October 12, 2006
Left to right: Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament, Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia; Michelle Lalonde and Adriana DeLuca, co-owners, Tiber River Naturals; and Nigel Mohammed, Community Services Manager, Assiniboine Credit Union.
Tiber River Naturals, who hosted the event, makes skincare products that are natural and safe. All products are made by hand and produced locally.
Winnipeg, Manitoba — Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament
for Charleswood–St. James–Assiniboia, on behalf of the Honourable
Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic
Diversification, today announced that Western Economic Diversification Canada
(WD) and Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU) are partnering to provide a four-year
Micro Loan Program for local enterprises.
Infrastructure Program Officially Launches
October 12, 2006
Kelowna, British Columbia — Applications for funding
under the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF)
are now being sought, following the official launch of the new joint federal-provincial
program. Effective Thursday, October 12th, communities and not-for-profit organizations
are eligible to make an application online. Applications will be accepted until
January 31, 2007. It is anticipated all funding from the current agreement will
be allocated by Summer 2007.
Canada's New Government Invests in Micro Loan Program for Entrepreneurs
October 12, 2006
Pictured (left to right): David Chmarney, Manager - Main Branch, Saskatoon
Credit Union; Minister Carol Skelton, Western Economic Diversification; Dennis
Hagel, owner, Riveriene Farm/Urban Carnivore; George Keter, CEO, Saskatoon
Credit Union
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Saskatoon entrepreneurs will
benefit from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) renewing its commitment
to the Saskatoon Credit Union’s Micro Loan Program for another four years
by providing $160,000.
Esterhazy opens Potash Interpretive Centre with WEPA funding
September 25, 2006
Esterhazy, Saskatchewan — The Saskatchewan Potash Interpretive
Centre opened in Esterhazy today with funding through the Canada-Saskatchewan
Western Economic Partnership Agreement. The centre’s exhibits will explain
the evolution of the potash industry from early mechanical mining to high-tech
robotic and remote control mining, and from the tunnels to the markets.
Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan Funds Recreational Initiatives
September 22, 2006
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan — The City of Prince Albert
received $685,820 from the Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan centennial
capital initiative to build three projects including the new Kinsmen Skateboard
and BMX Park that opened September 23.
New Mentorship Programs Launched in the Okanagan to Help Entrepreneurs
Become Leaders
September 12, 2006
Kelowna, British Columbia — Entrepreneurs pursuing business
opportunities in the technology and agriculture sectors will benefit from two
new mentorship programs available in the Okanagan region.
New Opportunities for Agriculture Research
September 12, 2006
KELOWNA, B.C. — Research in the Okanagan’s value-added agriculture industry received a substantial boost today with investments totalling $355,000 from Western Economic Diversification Canada. The funds enable the University of British Columbia Okanagan to acquire leading-edge research equipment and establish a new Okanagan Regional Chemical Analysis Centre.
Moose Jaw Crescent Park Fountain centennial event
September 12, 2006
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan — Dave Batters, Member of Parliament for Palliser, officially started the new fountain in Crescent Park today to signal the completion of construction on Moose Jaw’s centennial projects.
Warman Centennial Park opens
September 08, 2006
Warman, Saskatchewan — The Town of Warman received $69,620 from the Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan centennial initiative to build a new community park that opens on Sunday.
Saskatoon Soccer Centre receives funding for Sports Centre Phase 3
September 07, 2006
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — The Saskatoon Soccer Centre Inc. will receive $300,000 from the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) to help complete construction of Phase 3 of the SaskTel Sports Centre in northeast Saskatoon.
Business Accelerator Receives $1.19 Million
August 31, 2006
Pictured (left to right): Steven Fletcher MP., Joe Wery, BCC President
and CEO, John Bulman, BCC Board Chai
WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Manitoba’s growing life sciences cluster
may soon be able to get its ideas to market faster with a $1.19 million investment
from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD). Biomedical Commercialization
Canada, a life sciences business accelerator, will use the funds to provide
innovators and entrepreneurs with the business tools they need to become successful.
Government of Canada boosts genomics research facilities in British
Columbia
August 31, 2006
Dr. Marco Marra, Minister Chuck Strahl and Dr. Moira Quayle pose with
Dr. Sharon Goreski at the Genome Sciences Centre
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Life sciences research in British Columbia
will receive a substantial boost with an investment of $1.25 million from Western
Economic Diversification Canada. Genome British Columbia will use the funds
to acquire state-of-the-art DNA sequencing and mapping technologies and strengthen
its genome sequencing and technology development capabilities.
Geomatics at University of Calgary receives $900,000 in federal funding
August 29, 2006
Calgary, Alberta — Western Economic Diversification Canada today announced a $900,000 investment for research and development of three new leading-edge Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) at the University of Calgary’s School of Engineering.
Governments invest in expansion of Neepawa’s Industrial Wastewater
Treatment Facility
August 28, 2006
Neepawa, Manitoba – An expansion of the industrial wastewater treatment facility that currently serves the Springhill Farms hog processing plant will provide additional wastewater treatment capacity for future processing and manufacturing plant development in Neepawa and surrounding areas. The Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is contributing $5.4 million towards the expansion along with $3 million from the Town of Neepawa.
2006 Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp Receives Federal Funding
August 25, 2006
Cypress Hills, Alberta — Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) today announced funding of $7,500 to support the 2006 Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp in Cypress Hills, Alberta.
North Battleford Receives Funding to Replace Water and Sewer Mains
August 24, 2006
NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK – The City of North Battleford will receive $500,000 from the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) to rehabilitate its water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
Ethanol-Feedlot Template Launched
August 23, 2006
Minister Skelton announces $44,000 from WD for a new financial tool to assist rural entrepreneurs to assess the feasibility of integrating ethanol-feedlots into their farming operations.
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — Rural community groups and other interested organizations now have access to a technical and financial template that will ultimately help them decide if integrated ethanol-feedlot operations are feasible in their regions thanks—in part—to an $84,000 investment from the Government of Canada.
Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan Funds New Park in Conquest
August 19, 2006
Conquest, Saskatchewan - The Village of Conquest celebrated
the opening of its new park today. The $6,100 project received $4,000 in funding
from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) through the Canada Celebrates
Saskatchewan centennial capital initiative.
New Outreach Patrol to Hit Winnipeg Downtown Streets
August 08, 2006
Winnipeg, Manitoba – Downtown Winnipeg may soon feel
safer and present a friendlier image under a program that will put special constables
on downtown street patrol. The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement is contributing
$1,005,000 towards the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Outreach Patrol, a four-year pilot
project.
Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Invests in Vehicle Technology
July 27, 2006
Winnipeg, Manitoba – Improved manufacturing processes
and new technology development will strengthen the productivity and competitiveness
of Manitoba-based transportation suppliers through a new supplier development
program. The Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is contributing
$1.5 million towards the Vehicle Technology Centre project.
Government of Canada Supports "Green Buildings"
July 26, 2006
Vancouver, British Columbia – Simon Fraser University’s
Sustainable Building Centre celebrated their official opening with $200,000
in support from Western Economic Diversification Canada. The Centre will promote
efficient and environmentally sound building practices throughout British Columbia.
Governments partner with First Nations to develop new cultural
centre
July 24, 2006
Squamish, British Columbia – The new world-class cultural
centre being built in Whistler is receiving a $1 million investment from Western
Economic Diversification Canada through the Western Economic Partnership Agreement.
The new centre will enhance the cultural and ecotourism industry in the region
by showcasing the history and culture of the Squamish and Lil’Wat First
Nations. The Province of B.C. committed $6 million to the project in September
2005.
Funding available to restore infrastructure and equipment for Northern
Manitoba fishers and Trappers
July 14, 2006
Thompson, Manitoba – The Northern Producers Recovery
Program will receive $1.3 million from the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership
Agreement (EPA) to assist fishers and trappers along the Churchill and Grass
River systems repair, replace, or enhance equipment and infrastructure damaged
by high water levels and flooding in 2005.
Developing Technology For a Healthier Canada; $3.5 Million Investment
in Siemens Institute for Advanced Medicine
July 13, 2006
Winnipeg, Manitoba – The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement
is making a $3.5 million investment towards the construction of the Siemens
Institute for Advanced Medicine at the Health Sciences Centre that will result
in better detection and treatment of illnesses.
British Columbia Institute of Technology $507,000 to Link Research
with Industry
July 12, 2006
Burnaby, British Columbia – Academia and industry have new partnership opportunities through an investment of $507,000 from Western Economic Diversification Canada. The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) will establish two new research and industry liaison offices to link private sector partners with academic researchers to develop and commercialize new technology.
BC Cancer Foundation Receives $420,000 from Government of Canada
July 11, 2006
Vancouver, British Columbia – Cancer research in British Columbia received a significant boost with an investment of $420,000 from Western Economic Diversification Canada. With this funding, the B.C. Cancer Agency will purchase new equipment that will be used to improve early cancer detection and develop new drug treatment therapies.
$150,000 Investment Made in Business Centre to Support up to 30 Local
Businesses
July 07, 2006
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – The Saskatoon Urban Development Agreement (UDA) between the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon will invest $150,000 to assist with the pre-launch phase and the first year of operations of a business support centre in Saskatoon.
$350,000 to Video Game Studio Incubator
July 04, 2006
Winnipeg, Manitoba – A new training and work experience program will help Manitoba’s video game creators advance to the next level in the global video games industry. The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement is providing $350,000 towards the 3-year Fortune Cat Games Studio incubator.
University of Manitoba to receive $1.24 million for lab expansion
June 29, 2006
Winnipeg, Manitoba – An expansion of the University of Manitoba’s Nano-Fabrication Laboratory will give students and researchers access to new technologies and increased commercialization opportunities. The Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is contributing $1.24 million towards the project.
Government of Canada strenghthens food and wine sector
June 27, 2006
Vancouver, British Columbia — Today marks the opening of the new research laboratories in the renamed Food, Nutrition and Health Building at the University of British Columbia (UBC). With an investment totalling $690,000 from Western Economic Diversification Canada, these laboratories will help expand research capacity into the fields of wine, food and nutritional sciences.
Two Pilot Projects Benefit Urban Aboriginal Families in Calgary
June 20, 2006
Calgary, Alberta The Government of Canada approved $140,000 in Urban Aboriginal Strategy funding towards the Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter Society’s Paediatric Wellness Clinic and the Native Counselling Services of Alberta’s Aboriginal Parenting Program.
Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan Initiative Helps Centennial
Community Centre Open Its Doors
June 19, 2006
Martensville, Saskatchewan — The Martensville Centennial Community Centre opened its doors to the public today, as the last finishing touches were completed.
Government of Canada strengthens New Media Industry
June 16, 2006
Vancouver, British Columbia — Today, Western Economic Diversification Canada invested $507,500 in three projects to strengthen the new media industry in British Columbia and position B.C. on the world stage as an international new media hub.
Government of Canada Supports Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
June 15, 2006
Osoyoos, British Columbia — Visitors from around the world will have the opportunity to learn about Canada’s only desert with the opening of the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre. Embedded in beautiful South Okanagan, the new Centre boasts interactive hands-on exhibits, an 80-seat multi-media theatre, a water garden, interpretive programs and on-site tours.
Local Business Learn from International Business how to be more Competitive
June 2, 2006
Regina, Saskatchewan — From June 4th to 7th, senior executives from International Financial Institutions (IFI) and large multi-national firms are in Regina to teach Saskatchewan, and Canadian businesses, how to successfully compete for global contracts.
Government of Canada strengthens training in oil and gas sector
June 2, 2006
Fort St. John, British Columbia — Today, the Oil and Gas Industry Training Centre of Excellence at the Northern Lights College in Fort St. John received $800,000 under the Western Economic Partnership Agreement. The Centre will create new employment opportunities and assist in training a highly qualified workforce to strengthen British Columbia’s oil and gas industry.