REGINA, Feb. 1, 2019 /CNW/ - Government of Canada funding will help expand the agri-food industry in the greater Regina area and add value to the products it ships.
Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Regina-Wascana, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced $250,000 in funding through the Western Diversification Program (WDP) to Economic Development Regina (EDR).
EDR received $250,000 to implement a regional strategy to add value to the agri-foods industry in and around Regina. This includes working with File Hills Qu'Appelle Developments to identify agri-value assets of Indigenous communities throughout Treaty Four Territory and determine how to develop new commercial partnerships. They will also work with Information Systems Management Canada, the region's leading agri-food companies, small- and medium-sized businesses, and entrepreneurs to build the workforce and access new commercial opportunities.
The project aligns with the growing activity in the agri-food sector from Protein Industries Canada, the plant-based protein supercluster initiative based in the Prairie provinces and headquartered in Regina.
EDR has set targets for the strategy to create or expand 16 companies and assist an additional 30 small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Quotes
"The Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector is a powerful driver of the Canadian economy. In order to keep this vibrant industry strong and competitive, the Government of Canada will continue to support innovative projects and partnerships that contribute to the growth of a sustainable economy, add value to our agricultural products, and create jobs for western Canadians."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
"The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing the economy of Saskatchewan. This initiative, led by Economic Development Regina with File Hills Qu'Appelle Developments and industry partners, will create new business opportunities and employment by building on the strengths of our world-leading agri-food sector and leveraging investments such as the Protein Industries Canada supercluster."
- The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Regina-Wascana
"Regina has the opportunity to be the first stop on the plant protein highway, but to do that we must better leverage our assets and partners. We have a vision to double our employment in the agri-value sector and to incorporate more technology into this sector. With forward thinking and support from organizations and businesses such as Western Economic Diversification Canada, File Hills Qu'Appelle Developments, and Information Systems Management, we can come together to make that a reality."
- John Lee, President and CEO, Economic Development Regina
Associated links
- Western Diversification Program (WDP)
- Innovation and Skills Plan
- Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI)
- Economic Development Regina
- Protein Industries Canada
- File Hills Qu'Appelle Developments
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SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada
Rhonda Laing, Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations, Western Economic Diversification Canada, 306-975-5944, [email protected]
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