The Government of Canada Contributes to Inclusive Economic Growth in Manitoba

On August 1, 2019, the Government of Canada announced $4.9 million in federal investments in six projects for business growth, skills training and economic development in Manitoba. The announcement was made by Robert-Falcon Ouelette, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. 

One of the projects included in the funding is through University College of the North, who will receive up to $1.4 million in funding to pilot a business incubator, digital prototyping facility and business startup-services in northern Manitoba. University College of the North will work with North Forge Technology Exchange and Arctic gateway group, as well as other key partners on this project. 

“We see entrepreneurship opportunities not only in technology but in other domains such as agriculture and manufacturing. The possibilities are endless and I’m excited to see the type of businesses that will come to life as North Forge expands into the north,” says Teresa Dukes, President of North Forge.  

University College of the North will also receive up to $250,000 in funding to establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative for The Pas, Manitoba and surrounding communities. This initiative will give youth an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship through skills development and partnerships with business and industry professionals. 

“Western Canada has a young and entrepreneurial workforce that can spark new growth. These projects demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to inclusive economic growth in Manitoba to rebuild a stronger western Canada,” says Rober-Falcon Oulette. 

Other projects receiving funding are, Communities Economic Development Fund will receive up to $1.5 million to support initiatives to drive economic growth in Northern Manitoba and further develop key industries in the region. The Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development will receive up to $200,000 to develop and deliver a building operators technician program in Winnipeg. Manitoba Music Industry Association Inc. will receive up to $869,600 to increase business capacity of the Indigenous and Francophone music sectors in western Canada. And Assiniboine Community College will receive up to $525,600 to increase skills training to meet the growing demand for food processors in the Agri-Food sector in southwestern Manitoba. 

These projects are designed to develop and harness the talents of Manitobans in both rural and urban areas to enable innovation in western Canada, advance Manitoba’s business interests and drive economic growth. 

“Western Canada can lead the way towards an economy that works for all Canadians. To do this, the Government of Canada is working with post-secondary institutions, industry and other partners needed to improve education and training programs, support business growth and create well-paid jobs,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains.