Released on July 7, 2006
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.Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen and Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison announced the investment today. The facility will support new and growing enterprises under one roof, offering a wide range of programs, advisory services and shared equipment in a professional working environment. Up to 30 businesses can be accommodated at the facility.
"It's important that entrepreneurs have access to a full range of business services," said Minister Skelton. "Canada's new government is committed to increasing long-term prosperity by increasing our productivity. Centres such as this one will help Saskatoon entrepreneurs build successful and productive business ventures."
"The provincial government is committed to helping municipalities achieve and maintain a positive business climate and enhanced competitiveness," Van Mulligen said. "Business success provides employment opportunities, diversifies the local economy and enhances the quality of life for all residents."
"The new facility will sustain the City's reputation as the most business friendly municipality in the country," Atchison said. "At the same time, the new economic activity will support our goal to revitalize our core neighbourhoods."
The business support centre will be operated and administered by Saskatoon Ideas Inc., a registered membership non-profit corporation. The corporation is governed by a board of directors composed of business people from the Saskatoon community, as well as representatives from key business sector associations.
The five-year Saskatoon UDA will invest $10 million to revitalize the city's older neighbourhoods, encourage participation in artistic, recreational and cultural activities, and promote a positive business environment. Funding will be available over a five-year period, with $5 million from the Government of Canada, delivered by Western Economic Diversification Canada; $2.5 million from the Province of Saskatchewan, delivered by Saskatchewan Government Relations and $2.5 million from the City of Saskatoon.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Heather Waldern Hinds Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-5475 | Gladys Wasylenchuk Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-1370 |
Fiona MacLeod Office of the Minister of Western Economic Ottawa Phone: (613) 995-2960 | Chris Dekker City of Saskatoon Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-3207 |