Minister Carr highlights government support for technology businesses and start-up entrepreneurs to help create jobs in Edmonton

August 23, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada is focused on supporting Canadian technology companies and entrepreneurs in the development, commercialization and selling of innovative products and services around the globe while creating high-quality middle-class jobs for Canadians across the country.

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, was in Edmonton, Alberta, and met with technology companies and student entrepreneurs who are delivering leading-edge solutions in Canada and abroad.

He participated in an event at the Alberta Aerospace and Technology Centre (AATC), where a new partnership between the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) and the Alberta Centre for Advanced Micro Nano Technology Products (ACAMP) will create a new space for the AATC Incubator for Technology Start-Ups. On behalf of Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Minister Carr announced $1.5 million in funding to ACAMP to support the development and commercialization of new technologies for autonomous vehicles. This is made possible through the Western Diversification Program.

Minister Carr also took the opportunity to meet local technology entrepreneurs and visited various incubator spaces, including Startup Edmonton.

To highlight opportunities for Alberta companies to diversify their export markets, Minister Carr participated in an agriculture technology round-table discussion with local entrepreneurs. TrustBix, an innovative Canadian company specialized in agriculture technology solutions that has leveraged the Trade Commissioner Service to expand to international markets, hosted the event.

Minister Carr also launched a new International Education Strategy that will give Canadian youth more opportunities to study abroad and gain the skills they need to compete in a global marketplace, while advancing Canada’s standing as a high-calibre location in which to study, do research and work.

Quotes

“Alberta’s innovative technology companies and student start-ups are recognized around the world for delivering leading-edge and advanced technology solutions. Our government is helping businesses and start-ups to compete and succeed in international markets as it’s vital to the Canadian economy and contributes to Alberta’s global competitiveness. The investments we are making today will foster innovation and encourage entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, creating well-paying jobs for Canadians.”

- Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification

“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Canadians are prepared for the digital age and our companies are able to remain competitive. By building on existing infrastructure and expertise, we are positioning Alberta and Canadian businesses to more fully participate in emerging areas such as autonomous vehicles. The funding announced today supports the efforts of businesses in Western Canada to develop and commercialize technologies and help them grow, increase exports and attract investment.”

- Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

“Alberta corporations are well positioned and have developed industrial technologies in oil and gas, mining and precision agriculture that are required for future autonomous systems applications. Through the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada, ACAMP is excited to play the important role in supporting SMEs toward the future autonomous systems applications worldwide.”

- Ken Brizel, CEO, Alberta Centre for Advanced Micro Nano Technology Products

“Edmonton’s Airport City is home to businesses across many different sectors, making EIA an ideal technology commercialization site. Technologies developed on site at ACAMP and partner companies can be advanced and tested in a real-life setting, which is beneficial to students and start-up companies. In addition, EIA works with its partners to create ‘air pipelines,’ aiding exporters to develop their products in new markets, contributing to Alberta’s global competitiveness.”

- Tom Ruth, President and CEO, Edmonton International Airport

Quick facts

Through its trade diversification strategy, the government will invest $1.1 billion over six years to help Canadian businesses grow and diversify their exports.
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement invests $100 million over six years to reinforce the CanExport program and related funding programs so that more Canadian businesses can explore new overseas markets, especially high-growth emerging markets and markets benefiting from free trade agreements such as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
As announced in Budget 2019, the Government of Canada is investing $147.9 million over five years, with $8 million per year ongoing, in the new International Education Strategy.
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement announced $17 million over five years to expand the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program, which helps high-growth, high-potential Canadian technology and life science firms scale up by connecting them with export, investment and partnership opportunities in key global hubs.

Contacts

Michael Jones
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade Diversification
343-550-2368
[email protected]

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
[email protected]
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