Posted on 01/22/2009, 10:00 am, by mySteinbach

The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and the Honourable Andrew Swan, Manitoba Minister of Competitiveness, Training, and Trade, signed a new Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement that will support long-term economic growth and competitiveness in Manitoba. 
 
“Canada’s prosperity depends not just on meeting the challenges of today, but on building a dynamic economy that will create opportunities for Canadians in the future,” said Minister of State Yelich. “Through the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement, we are demonstrating our commitment towards ensuring Manitoba’s continued success in this time of global economic uncertainty.”
 
“This agreement is a great example of two governments working cooperatively to boost economic development in Manitoba,” said Minister Swan. “Effective partnerships are key elements of building a strong and healthy province.”
 
The Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement is a joint federal-provincial agreement that will see each government commit $25 million for a total of $50 million over the next four years to build upon a history of successful federal-provincial economic development partnerships. The Agreement provides a means for federal-provincial cooperation to further strengthen and diversify Manitoba’s economy, enhance the skills of Manitoba’s workforce and promote regional development.
 
Canada and Manitoba will work together with economic organizations, non-profit community organizations and service delivery agencies, on five strategic economic priorities that focus on: supporting knowledge-based research and development; increasing value-added production; supporting trade and investment promotion; enhancing productivity and competitiveness; and promoting economic development through tourism opportunities. These priorities will promote and support the long-term and sustainable economic development of Manitoba. The $25 million federal contribution for Manitoba is part of a $100 million Government of Canada investment in the West through the Western Economic Partnership Agreements. This brings the total federal-provincial investment in the four western provinces to $200 million. 
 
Western Economic Diversification Canada, in partnership with the provinces, industry associations, and communities promotes the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.
 
Manitoba’s department of Competitiveness, Training and Trade is committed to supporting growth for Manitoba business, meeting provincial labour demands, increasing training opportunities and expanding trade relations around the world.