Released on April 20, 2000
The Regina and Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authorities (REDAs) are
using federal and provincial funding to help develop technology
entrepreneurship and networking programs for fast-growth companies in
Saskatchewan's two largest cities.
Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification Ron J. Duhamel and
Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon
today announced funding of $75,000 under the Canada/Saskatchewan Western
Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) to the two REDAs.
The REDA programs have been providing information, advice and expertise over
the past several months to Regina and Saskatoon businesses and entrepreneurs on
all facets of technology development, management and commercialization. Work
has involved organizing seminars and industry events, establishing industry
councils on technology entrepreneurship and technology transfer and hiring
project coordinators to work with industry.
The Regina REDA has received $50,000 under WEPA for its $95,000 program and the
Saskatoon REDA $25,000 for its $71,000 program. Western Economic
Diversification Canada (WD) has also provided a $25,000 non-repayable
contribution to each organization. The REDAs are funding all other program
costs.
"These projects are good examples of how we can partner with other agencies and
use WEPA funding to help strengthen our technology infrastructure," Duhamel
said. "Using tools such as networking and industry councils can help us create
jobs, build a sustainable economy and increase our competitiveness by
encouraging research and development in emerging sectors, as well as the use of
technologies in our small and medium-sized businesses."
"This strategic funding helps address technology and innovation needs of our
fastest growing industrial sectors," MacKinnon said . "The excellent
networking and new technology ideas from these projects help strengthen our
province's innovation culture, ultimately leading to new jobs and new
opportunities for Saskatchewan people."
The Regina REDA is concentrating its efforts on industry sectors such as
information and telecommunications, agri-business and petroleum technology and
resources management. The Saskatoon REDA is focusing on biotechnology and
nutraceuticals, manufacturing, food processing and other advanced technology
sectors.
"The Regina Region Technology Networking Program will act as the conduit that
encourages and facilitates collaboration and co-operation among key
stakeholders to strengthen and enhance the Regina Region's economy," RREDA's
Chair Will Olive said.
"Saskatoon already has an internationally recognized research community and
this program has helped to further commercialize local research, transfer new
technologies and develop new business leadership skills within the region,"
SREDA Chair Pamela Haidenger-Bains said.
The Canada/Saskatchewan WEPA, administered by Western Economic Diversification
Canada and Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development, is directing $40
million over four years toward initiatives that encourage new jobs and support
new economic infrastructure, tourism products, export and marketing
initiatives, and new economic opportunities, including rural, northern and
Aboriginal economic development.
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For additional information, contact:
Joanne Mysak Bob Ellis
Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Manager, Corporate Affairs
Communications Saskatchewan Economic and
Western Economic Diversification Canada Co-operative Development
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Regina, Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 975-5942 Phone: (306) 787-1691
WD Toll-Free No.: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
WD World Wide Web site:
English - http://www.wd.gc.ca Marty Klyne
French - http://www.deo.gc.ca President and COO
Regina Regional Economic
Dale Botting Development Authority
Director of Economic Development Regina, Saskatchewan
Saskatoon Regional Economic Phone: (306) 522-0227
Development Authority
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 664-0723
