Question Period Note: Prairies Economic Development Canada Accomplishments

Prairies Economic Development Canada Accomplishments

• PrairiesCan, formerly known as Western Economic Diversification Canada, launched in August 2021 to better serve people, businesses, and communities in the Prairie provinces.

• It is more available in more places, enhancing its presence from four to eleven service locations across the Prairies.

• PrairiesCan is investing wisely to support economic recovery and growth.

• Since April 1, 2022, PrairiesCan has allocated $177 million to 210 projects that are expected to create over 5000 jobs, maintain over 3000 jobs, and generate over $500 million in new revenue for businesses.

Manitoba Examples (70 words)
• In a historic partnership between the governments of Canada and Manitoba this past August, the governments of Canada and Manitoba have committed up to $147.6 million to support the Arctic Gateway Group’s Hudson Bay Railway.

• The rail line is both in the national and regional interest.

• It is essential for supply chains, local food security, regional connectivity and its unique community-ownership model represents ongoing steps toward economic reconciliation in Canada.
Saskatchewan Examples (104 words)
• With the aim of boosting local economies and helping people gather safely, our government announced over $10 million for over 40 Saskatchewan recreation and community revitalization initiatives.

• This funding supports new and improved recreational amenities like playgrounds, museums, community centres and unique outdoor experiences that will provide visitors and residents with opportunities to connect and explore Saskatchewan.

• For example:
o $750,000 to revitalize the downtown business core in Biggar, SK (announced October 14/22).
o $743,000 toward creating an accessible outdoor aquatic center in Canora, SK (announced June 8/22).
Alberta Example (55 words)
• In April of this year, our government announced $779,000 to Edmonton Unlimited to support development of Capital City Pilots.

• Capital City Pilots is a novel collaboration with the City of Edmonton to develop, promote and market a procurement model where small- and medium-sized businesses can test their innovative technologies using City of Edmonton owned assets.

Example in and around Calgary (111 words)
• In June of this year, our government announced more than $7 million for three leading Calgary organizations - University of Calgary, Meticulon Consulting and NPower Canada.

• This funding supports community-led innovation and opportunities for people with diverse talents and abilities:
o University of Calgary: $2.65 million to establish a Social Innovation Hub to support the development and growth of socially-motivated businesses and social enterprises.
o Meticulon Consulting: $1.36 million to assist hiring neurodiverse youth into technology positions in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
o NPower Canada: $3 million to expand and scale up its IT skills workforce xdevelopment program for underrepresented, low-income, and diverse job seekers.

PrairiesCan, formerly known as Western Economic Diversification Canada, launched in August 2021 to better serve people, businesses, and communities in the Prairie provinces.

Since April 1, 2022, PrairiesCan has allocated $177 million to 210 projects that are expected to create over 5000 jobs, maintain over 3000 jobs, and generate over $500 million in new revenue for businesses.