Creating Jobs and Boosting Economic Activity

See how the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund is driving economic growth across the West

Also Inside: Strengthening the West Coast’s Shipbuilding and Marine Industry Find out what’s happening under Western Canada’s Shipbuilding Action Plan Design: The Bytown Group, Ottawa Group, Bytown The Design: ORMATION is published T INF C

Bloedel the Bloedel tours Yelich Minister federal which received Conservatory, CIIF. funding through infrastructure CONTA Access West WD Offices British Columbia Street Suite 700, 333 Seymour BC V6B 5G9 Vancouver, 604-666-6256 Alberta Suite 1500, Canada Place 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 4H7 780-495-4164 Life Building Suite 400, Standard SW 639 – 5th Avenue AB T2P 0M9 Calgary, 403-292-5458 Saskatchewan Box 2025, Suite 601 P.O. South 119 – 4th Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 3S7 306-975-4373 Manitoba 620 – 240 Graham Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7 204-983-4472 Ontario Suite 500, Gillin Building West 141 Laurier Avenue Ottawa, ON K1P 5J3 613-952-2768 Aussi disponible en français ISSN: 1495-6802 (print) ISSN: 1495-6543 (online) : ON THE COVER by Western Economic by Western Economic Diversification Canada. [email protected] Editor: © Sporkist/Taz / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 2.0 CC-BY / Commons Wikimedia / Sporkist/Taz © 4 6 8 14 8 15 4 14

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COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE BUSINESSES BUILDING STRONGER IMPROVING FEATURE: INNOVATION STRENGTHENING THE WEST PROMOTING IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS CONTENTS 3

AW MINISTER’S MESSAGE MINISTER’S ACCESSWEST | SPRING/SUMMER 2013 and even internationally. and even internationally. The Symposium provided participants with the information needed to get growing involved in Canada’s and gave shipbuilding industry, them the opportunity to make valuable business connections with key stakeholders under our Government’s National Shipbuilding Procurement hosting events like Through Strategy. these, WD is delivering on Western Plan to Shipbuilding Action Canada’s this important industry. strengthen working to build a we are Together, Canada. for a stronger West stronger

The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Yelich, Lynne The Honourable Western for of State Minister Diversification Economic MESSAGE FROM MESSAGE THE HONOURABLE YELICH LYNNE infrastructure. In fact, I am proud proud In fact, I am infrastructure. hundreds already are to say that there well under projects of infrastructure With West. the our way across keeping investments in them, we are these valuable local assets viable for while generations today and future and generating economic growth jobs. The good news does not stop there. Western Canada by helping them Western Canada by helping them existing and improve renew At WD, we continue to encourage small- and of Canada’s the growth medium-sized businesses through timely investments and new opportunities. This past spring, Western Canada’s Shipbuilding Canada’s Western Symposium, hosted by WD, brought than 500 together more companies from representatives Canada, across the West, across

I have been fortunate to visit many western Canadian communities where I have witnessed the benefits of our continued focus on Government’s I growth. and economic job creation am happy to say that my department Economic Diversification of Western Canada (WD) has been an important part of this success as we continue to that strengthen deliver on projects Our Government has made our economic future and leave us well- our economic future positioned for continued growth. a key improvements infrastructure jobs, part of our plan to create for and long-term growth prosperity Canadians. This commitment led of the Community to the creation Fund Improvement Infrastructure in the coming (CIIF). As you’ll read WD is pages of Access West, supporting towns and cities across www.wd-deo.gc.ca ORMATION is published T INF C Bloedel the Bloedel tours Yelich Minister federal which received Conservatory, CIIF. funding through infrastructure CONTA Access West WD Offices British Columbia Street Suite 700, 333 Seymour BC V6B 5G9 Vancouver, 604-666-6256 Alberta Suite 1500, Canada Place 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 4H7 780-495-4164 Life Building Suite 400, Standard SW 639 – 5th Avenue AB T2P 0M9 Calgary, 403-292-5458 Saskatchewan Box 2025, Suite 601 P.O. South 119 – 4th Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 3S7 306-975-4373 Manitoba 620 – 240 Graham Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7 204-983-4472 Ontario Suite 500, Gillin Building West 141 Laurier Avenue Ottawa, ON K1P 5J3 613-952-2768 Aussi disponible en français ISSN: 1495-6802 (print) ISSN: 1495-6543 (online) : ON THE COVER by Western Economic by Western Economic Diversification Canada. [email protected] Editor: AW

POLICY, ADVOCACY & COORDINATION

Shipbuilding Symposium Brings Businesses Together from Across the West Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across Western Canada received important information and made valuable business connections at Western Canada’s Shipbuilding Symposium, hosted by WD, in Vancouver earlier this year.

> Minister Yelich delivers keynote address at Western Canada’s Shipbuilding Symposium.

“Western Canada’s Shipbuilding to grow by taking advantage of key Procurement Strategy (NSPS) to Action Plan is working to create jobs, business opportunities.” discuss specific projects and growth, and long-term prosperity in opportunities in British Columbia’s the West,” said Minister Lynne Yelich, The Symposium, titled Get on Board shipbuilding industry. Prime who delivered the keynote address the Supply Chain, brought together contractors included Vancouver at the event. “Events like today’s representatives from more than 350 Shipyards and its first-tier suppliers Symposium are crucial in helping SMEs across the West, and across (Thales and Imtech), as well as Irving western Canadian industry continue Canada with prime contractors Shipyards and its first-tier suppliers under the National Shipbuilding (Lockheed Martin and GE Canada).

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www.wd-deo.gc.ca POLICY, ADVOCACY & COORDINATION

“Our Government’s first priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,” said Parliamentary Secretary Andrew Saxton, who provided closing remarks at the Symposium. “The National Ship- building Procurement Strategy is supporting Canadian jobs and industries, while bolstering the Canadian economy by building ships right here in Canada.”

The Vancouver event aimed to educate western Canadian SMEs involved in the shipbuilding industry about the Government of Canada’s defence-related procurement process, specifically for projects under the $33-billion, 30-year NSPS.

The objectives of the

Among those opportunities will be > Symposium were to: skilled work in a variety of sectors, Minister Yelich with key stakeholders such as steel manufacturing, at the Symposium. Left to right: Tim • Inform industry about the status information technology, and defence Page, President, CADSI, Eugene Stew- and relevant key issues for each systems development and integration. art, Senior Project Manager, Interna- of the NSPS related projects; As well, SMEs across the West will tional Trade Development, Lockheed

benefit not only through the Martin, Daniel Verreault, Country Di- • Advise industry of the general construction of large and small rector for Military Systems Operation, capabilities of interest to prime vessels, but from work related to GE Canada, Gerhard Hones, Manager, contractors and various supplier repairing and refitting Canada’s ships. Industrial and Regional Benefits, Lock- selection processes; heed Martin, Member of Parliament Wai Young, Brian Carter, President, “The Shipbuilding Symposium was • Explain how to obtain pertinent Seaspan Shipyards, Gerry Neven, Vice the latest example of WD stepping certifications and standards; and President of Marketing and Sales, up to put my company in front of key Imtech Marine Canada, Minister Lynne international companies as a qualified • Provide opportunities for SMEs to Yelich, Gary Payne, Contracts and potential partner,” said Martin Cronin, Industrial Benefits (Offsets) Manager, establish business connections. Chief Executive Officer of Helios Thales Canada Defence and Security, Global Technologies Ltd. “It would be Stefan Nieuwenhyus, Area Manager, The NSPS is expected to create about impossible for SMEs in particular to Imtech Marine and Offshore SAS, Mike 4,000 high-value jobs on the West achieve with their own resources the McAloon, Vice President, Industrial Coast and to produce a wide range high level of exposure and advocacy Regional Benefits Program, Irving of economic opportunities for local that WD undertakes on their behalf. Shipbuilding. businesses throughout Western I truly believe events like these are Canada. government working at its best.” AW

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INNOVATION

Building FibreCITY …and what that means for the Canadian economy

With the creation of FibreCITY, North America’s first centre of excellence for fibre grading, Canada is set to become a leader in the development of composites using agricultural fibre. MP Bruinooge views visuals of the Centre’s future equipment.

A WD investment has allowed the products in the wider market is agricultural fibre over synthetic. Composites Innovation Centre (CIC) currently being prevented due to Among the advantages are: to establish a centre for the innovative lack of consistency. use of agricultural products. Federal • agricultural fibres are a renewable funding went towards the purchase As it stands now, the use of agricultural resource; of equipment for the new Winnipeg fibres in composites is done through • the final product contains less facility, which is designed to evaluate experimentation, thus not allowing for embodied energy than synthetics; and grade the physical, chemical large-scale applications. While Potter and and mechanical properties of fibre acknowledges this is the current state • agricultural fibre composites are available in agricultural crops across of the technology, he said he believes lighter than their synthetic the Prairies. The ultimate goal is to be the new facility will change all that, and counterparts. able to use this fibre in development explained that the goal of the centre is of new, leading-edge composites. to move research on agricultural fibres There is also enhanced value for “from empirical to rational design.” farmers, who would normally burn “Our Government is helping ensure plant matter left over from crop that Canada remains at the cutting “We have representatives from the harvest. In the future, they will be edge of the composites industry,” automotive, heavy equipment, and able to generate additional income said MP Rod Bruinooge at the aerospace industries on board,” from this. January 2013 funding announcement. Potter said. “They are keen to apply “Through this investment we are the technology to their respective “This is a very important science helping Canadian manufacturers sectors, they just want to see initiative, and a significant business gain a competitive advantage in consistency, and that is specifically opportunity for the Canadian this growing sector.” what FibreCITY is set up to agricultural sector,” said Potter. “It demonstrate.” brings together various aspects According to Simon Potter, Product of scientific research, and allows Innovation Sector Manager at the In composite development, Canadian farmers to directly benefit CIC, the uptake of biofibre composite there are many benefits to using from them.” AW

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www.wd-deo.gc.ca INNOVATION

Putting tools in the hands of innovators

Winnipeg’s innovators and inventors are expanding their horizons thanks to federal funding which will enhance AssentWorks’ prototyping and fabrication facility.

“Our Government is committed to creating jobs, economic growth and prosperity,” said Minister Vic Toews. “This investment will remove barriers for new entrepreneurs who would not otherwise be able to purchase the specialized equipment necessary to undertake the research and development needed to produce new prototypes.”

Prototypes are working models that allow builders of everything from snowboards to complex machines to test the functionality of their designs and explore different alternatives to their design concepts. They can also serve as a finished product to bring before investors when seeking funding for mass production and marketing.

“The funding we received from WD will give us finished prototyping > capability, which means entrepreneurs Minister Toews speaks with David Prystupa, who has invented a more effective will be able to produce a finished grain-sorting machine. object that is refined enough to showcase to investors, and even do small-run batches,” said AssentWorks This is where AssentWorks comes in. The successful marketing of prototypes co-founder Michael Legary. For an affordable monthly fee, they built by AssentWorks members will provide their members with access to bring many economic benefits to the The equipment needed to develop 3D printers, wood and metal working province. As Legary puts it, this will an idea from a concept to a equipment, and a host of other tools be a case of the Manitoba economy marketable physical object is used in building prototypes. “reinvesting in itself.” AW prohibitively expensive for most entrepreneurs.

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FEATURE

INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE WEST

Hundreds of projects to revitalize community facilities, such as swimming pools, hockey arenas and community centres, are now underway across Western Canada.

These initiatives are part of the in Kenaston, Saskatchewan in 2012. Community infrastructure projects Government of Canada’s $150 “Community facilities bring families supported through CIIF are million Community Infrastructure and residents together, and our strengthening communities across Improvement Fund (CIIF) to support Government’s support for these the country and making Western repairs and improvements to existing facilities is generating economic Canada an even better place to community facilities across the country activity and jobs.” live, work and play. As part of the and help create jobs. government’s Economic Action Plan, WD is responsible for delivering this funding is creating jobs in “Our Government remains focused on Western Canada’s share of the fund, communities across the country, delivering strategic community and which is $46.2 million. A resounding offering broad-based economic economic development programs that success, the program was met with benefits as well as renewed have a long-lasting, positive impact on enthusiasm across the West, and all infrastructure. our residents,” said Minister Lynne funding under the program has now Yelich, who launched the program been allocated.

British Columbia roof panels and refurbish the central ventilation fan at the top of the Upgrading a Vancouver Landmark conservatory’s dome. Thanks to structural upgrades made Twelve-year old Emma Bolzner possible with federal funding, the helped Minister Yelich announce the Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver investment. Emma is one of the will continue to provide a home for conservatory’s biggest supporters and exotic plants, flowers and wildlife. has raised over $750 for the facility. Her creative fundraising efforts include “Our Government is pleased to encouraging friends and family to support infrastructure projects across donate to the conservatory instead the country like the roof replacement of giving her birthday gifts. project at the Bloedel Conservatory,” said Minister Lynne Yelich. “This Since 1969, the Conservatory has investment will serve to enhance the > stood at the heart of Queen Elizabeth experience and services provided by Left to right: Bill Harding, Director of Parks, City of Park, featuring 500 unique plants and this facility, which provides visitors Vancouver; Niki Sharma, Commissioner, Vancouver flowers and over 100 free-flying birds. with access to a year-round tropical Parks Board; John Coupar, Commissioner, Vancouver garden.” Parks Board, Emma Bolzner, Minister Yelich, The investment made by WD will Geoff Meggs, Deputy Mayor, City of Vancouver, extend the life of the conservatory and Parliamentary Secretary Andrew Saxton. Federal support is helping the City ensure that it remains a valuable asset of Vancouver to replace the existing to the community.

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www.wd-deo.gc.ca FEATURE

Enhancing the experience at Maplewood Farm

North Vancouver families were happy to hear that one of their beloved destinations is getting much-needed support from the federal government.

Boasting some 90,000 visitors a year, Maplewood Farm is one of North Vancouver’s top tourist attractions. Thanks to a WD investment under CIIF, it is undergoing several infrastructure upgrades to ensure it continues to attract families and boost the economy well into the future.

In November 2012, Parliamentary

Secretary Andrew Saxton announced > that Maplewood Farm will receive PS Saxton, Mayor Walton and some of the school children with goats at the Farm. federal funding for improvements to the farm. First opened to the public in 1975, “Here in North Vancouver, Maplewood Maplewood Farm has a long legacy of as well as creating safe and accessible Farm is an important part of community providing a truly unique experience community infrastructure facilities for life,” said Parliamentary Secretary for families and animal-lovers alike. years to come.” Saxton. “Our Government’s support for this facility will provide it with new, With a collection of over 200 domestic With federal support, the Oyster River modern components and increase farm animals and birds, picnic areas, Volunteer Fire Rescue Association will accessibility for visitors.” and pony and pedal tractor rides, the purchase and install new doors, five-acre farm provides a variety of windows, insulation and locks at the Upgrades to the farm include new options for family fun. Black Creek facility. They will also shelters by the animal-viewing pens, paint the structure, and upgrade washroom renovations, and increased Federal funding improves fire the plumbing, wiring and culverts. accessibility for persons with disabilities. rescue training facility “The members of Oyster River The CIIF investment will build upon Thanks to recently-announced CIIF Volunteer Fire Rescue very much funding already dedicated to this funding, the Oyster River Volunteer welcome the opportunity to complete project by the District of North Fire Rescue Association’s facility is the interior of the facility and expand Vancouver. undergoing important renovations. its training capabilities so that it can be put to full use in the training of “The District is pleased to partner with “Our Government is pleased to emergency response personnel,” the Government of Canada to upgrade support infrastructure projects across said Fire Chief Niels Holbek. Maplewood Farm’s infrastructure,” the country like the renovations to said North Vancouver District |the fire rescue training facility here in Founded in 1976, the fire rescue Mayor Richard Walton. “The funding, Black Creek,” said MP John Duncan. training association provides fire which the District will match, will allow “The Community Infrastructure protection, rescue, extrication us to carry out much-needed upgrades Improvement Fund will benefit from motor vehicle accidents and to the Farm, including increasing Canadian families and communities emergency first responder service accessibility for persons with disabilities.” immediately, helping to support job in the Black Creek, Oyster Bay, and creation, boosting economic activity, York Road areas of British Columbia.

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FEATURE > Left to right: Joan Westgard, President of the Thistle Curling Club, Minister Yelich, MP James Rajotte, and Barry Westgard, Vice-President of the Thistle Curling Club.

Alberta said Minister Yelich. “Families and communities across the city will Infrastructure Improvements benefit from these initiatives, which will leave a lasting legacy of modernized “Sweep” Across Edmonton community facilities.” Thanks to federal support through CIIF, six community facilities in Edmonton Funding for these facilities was are seeing significant infrastructure announced at the Thistle Curling Club, improvements to bring long-term which was founded in 1920, making economic benefits to the city. it Edmonton’s oldest curling club. The Thistle caters to recreational and Minister Lynne Yelich and MP James competitive curlers of all ages and Rajotte were in Edmonton mid-March is home to the annual Icemakers to announce the series of investments. Bonspiel, an event held in the late Specifically, upgrades will be made to spring to honour those who work the Thistle Curling Club, Pleasantview and volunteer in the curling world. > Community League, Edmonton Ski Left to right: Barry Westgard, Club, Alberta Avenue Community With help from federal funding, Vice-President of the Thistle Curling League, Fort Edmonton Park and the visitors of the curling club will see Club, Minister Yelich, and MP James Edmonton Radial Railway Society. several improvements to the facility, Rajotte at the Thistle Curling Club. most notably upgrades to the front “Our Government is pleased today entry area. In addition, the club will to announce support for so many undergo upgrades to its ceiling, the excellent projects in Edmonton,” installation of a new cafeteria counter,

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www.wd-deo.gc.ca FEATURE

and interior improvements throughout Red Deer Library Revitalized Major Upgrades to Ken Nichol the facility. The Thistle has enjoyed Regional Recreation Centre decades of busy and successful The Red Deer Public Library will seasons, and support through CIIF celebrate its centennial anniversary The Ken Nichol Regional Recreation enables it to continue doing so long in 2014 – and now, thanks to federal Centre in Beaumont, Alberta received into the future. funding through CIIF, the facility is much-needed upgrades, including the prepared to serve residents and replacement of the ventilation system, “We are very appreciative of this visitors for another hundred years. improvements to the roof, and the assistance from the Government installation of new signage, thanks of Canada,” said Joan Westgard, A federal investment towards the to federal support through CIIF. President of the Thistle Curling Club. library, announced by MP Earl Dreeshen “Our now brightly lit and newly in November, supported electrical Federal funding was announced in refinished entryway is a welcome upgrades and the installation of new January by Parliamentary Secretary sight as we enter or exit the club. air conditioning equipment, along with Mike Lake. And we look forward to being able several other interior renovations. to renovate the concession area at “Our Government is focused on the conclusion of the curling season.” “I am proud to see Red Deer benefit what matters to Canadians – creating from our Government’s support for jobs and growth,” said Parliamentary The other announced infrastructure local infrastructure,” said MP Dreeshen. Secretary Lake. “By investing in local projects will also boost tourism and “Libraries are integral facilities that infrastructure projects, our Government generate economic activity across provide communities with accessible continues to support communities like Edmonton. Improvements to the facilities for academic, educational Beaumont across the country while streetcar tracks at Fort Edmonton Park and recreational use. Our investment boosting economic activity.” will lead to an increase in visitors and a is allowing the Red Deer Public Library variety of upgrades to the Alberta to continue serving the community for JJ Straker, Director of Parks and Avenue Community Centre will ensure years to come.” Facilities with the Town of Beaumont, that it may continue to host a number says that renovations are on schedule of sports, recreation and social Upgrades made to the Red Deer and are not impacting day-to-day activities for the community. Public Library are reducing operating operations. costs, creating a more energy Federal funding will also improve efficient facility, and providing a more “Currently, all users have normal passenger safety Edmonton’s comfortable, modernized learning access and bookings are continuing High Level Bridge streetcar line, space for public enjoyment. as normal,” says Straker. “The tender enhance Edmonton Ski Club’s process has been completed for lighting facilities and snow delivery “Red Deer Public Library is pleased to both the architectural upgrades and system, and upgrade the Pleasantview receive support from the Community the curling floor replacement. The Community League’s parking lot. Infrastructure Improvement Fund for building will still be in use in during important renovations to one of Red the renovations, so user safety is our “I am proud to see Edmonton benefit Deer’s most used public facilities,” number one priority.” from the Community Infrastructure said Duncan Anderson, Board Chair of Improvement Fund,” said MP Rajotte. the Red Deer Library Board. “Along As a community hub, the Centre offers “Investments under this fund will with support from the provincial a wide range of activities year-round, ensure the longevity of these Community Facility Enhancement from public skating to curling and important community facilities.” Program and the City of Red Deer’s dance classes. The CIIF investment tax levy, the federal funds will help to will be used to improve the Centre’s make the Library’s Downtown Branch operational efficiency and enhance the more accessible, energy-efficient, recreational experiences of visitors. and aesthetically pleasing.”

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FEATURE

Saskatchewan renovations significantly improve “The projects made possible by this the quality of service LDAS can funding will help improve the safety of Federal Support Benefits provide to its clients. the airport,” said Josh Mickleborough, Saskatchewan Residents with City Engineer and Airport Manager. Learning Disabilities “It has long been our dream to “New approach lighting, signage and purchase our own building, and when an extension to the taxiway will allow Thanks to federal funding, the the opportunity came up we seized pilots to be more precise in their Learning Disabilities Association it. But it was an older building, so landings, and assist their movements of Saskatchewan (LDAS) offices are the retrofits needed were costly,” on the taxiway and runway. These undergoing a much-needed facelift said Dale Rempel, Executive Director improvements may have been years that is seeing the Saskatoon location of the LDAS. “This funding couldn’t out if it were not for this investment get a new kitchen, automatic door have come at a better time for us. in the airport’s infrastructure.” opener and washrooms that meet It has allowed us to expand the accessibility standards. programs we offer and to have a The Yorkton Municipal Airport, as bright and pleasant environment for the regional transportation hub of our clients.” East-Central Saskatchewan, is the second-busiest airport in southern The LDAS offers a range of programs Saskatchewan after Regina. to improve skills such as reading, writing and problem-solving to help “This is good news for Yorkton,” said those with learning disabilities Mayor Bob Maloney. “This significant succeed. funding helps us to move forward with much-needed improvements to our airport infrastructure and will enhance our stature as the regional transportation

> Yorkton Airport Gets Runway hub of East-Central Saskatchewan.” Minister Yelich celebrates CIIF funding Upgrade with LDAS President Michael Karras, student Ian Small, and Executive Thanks to federal support, the Yorkton Director Dale Rempel. Municipal Airport is receiving upgrades to improve the movement of aircraft on its runways. New signage and lighting, and better runway drainage, will also help make the airport safer. “I am very happy to see Saskatchewan residents with learning disabilities “Facilities like this one are important – benefit from the Community they serve the business community, Infrastructure Improvement Fund,” which provides the foundation for said Minister Lynne Yelich at the continued economic growth in the funding announcement. “By improving area,” said MP Garry Breitkreuz. facilities such as this, we are ensuring that residents have access to the Federal funding under the CIIF program community services they need.” will cover construction work – slated for summer 2013 – and support the > Upgrades are also being made to creation of additional jobs for the An aerial shot of Yorkton Airport. electrical and mechanical systems community of Yorkton. Photo courtesy of the City of Yorkton. at the Saskatoon offices. These

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www.wd-deo.gc.ca FEATURE

Manitoba Federal funding for this project builds an asphalt overlay on the existing on contributions from the City of runway, taxiway and apron. St. Norbert Community Park and Winnipeg, community groups, and the St. Norbert Foundation. “Our Government is committed to Farmers’ Market gains ground creating jobs, growth and long-term Manitoba farmers and artisans who A valuable contributor to the local prosperity in our communities,” said have been selling fresh produce, economy, the market attracts more Parliamentary Secretary Candice Ber- flowers, meat and other locally-crafted than 150,000 visitors during the season gen. “Improvements to the runway will items at St. Norbert Farmers’ Market and is only part of a larger community ensure safe and reliable access while are welcoming a federal investment space, which includes other facilities helping to boost economic activity and that will ensure their market continues such as École Noël-Ritchot and the maintain a high quality of life.” to thrive well into the future. St. Norbert Community Centre. The upgrade will yield some other “on-the-ground” benefits as well. The improvements will ensure a safer runway for users, while creating local jobs and economic opportunities.

R.M. of Rhineland Reeve Don Wiebe said he looks forward to the benefits this will bring to his community, and says the good news couldn’t have come at a better time. > MP Bruinooge and Minister Yelich announce support for community infrastructure at Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market in Winnipeg.

With funding from the Community These infrastructure improvements Infrastructure Improvement Fund, will enhance the experience for improvements will be made to the Farmers’ Market vendors and market entry, park access, and path- visitors, while creating economic ways. In addition to landscaping, the opportunities for Winnipeg residents. > seating will be replaced and the floor Parliamentary Secretary Bergen makes in the market area will be upgraded. Altona Airport lands funding for CIIF funding announcement at Altona runway repairs Municipal Airport. Minister Lynne Yelich and MP Rod Bruinooge made the announcement in Thanks to federal funding, upgrades January 2013. to the Altona Municipal Airport will improve safety and ensure the region “The runway was showing its age – it “I am pleased to see Winnipeg benefit retains its emergency air ambulance was deteriorating every year and this from our Government’s commitment service. needed to be addressed,” he said. to renew and improve community “The Altona Airport gets a lot of use, infrastructure,” said Minister Yelich. The federal investment will go towards from private planes to medical aircraft, “Our investment in the St. Norbert much-needed repairs to the runway, and we believe with these repairs it will Community Park and Farmers’ Market such as removing weed growth, continue to bring in business for years will upgrade a tremendous local repairing surface cracks, and installing to come.” AW asset.”

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Embracing Opportunity in Heavy Oil Country

Alberta’s Lakeland College is helping to address the province’s increasing need for workers skilled in heavy oil production by expanding training and facilities at its Lloydminster campus.

Kara Johnston, Director of Energy, > Entrepreneurship and Aboriginal Programming for Lakeland College, looks on as Minister Yelich delivers her remarks.

According to the Petroleum Human skills through new evening, weekend engineering and heavy oil lab with three Resources Council of Canada’s and online courses. steam boilers, water treatment equipment, labour market outlook, the oil and a turbine generator and simulation training gas industry will need to fill almost To support the growth of the program, spaces. 10,000 positions by 2015. WD is investing in four pieces of specialized heavy oil processing “We’re in the heart of heavy oil country To help fill the gap, the college introduced simulators and equipment that will out here, so we’re trying to be very a two-year Heavy Oil Power Engineering allow students to simulate heavy oil responsive to both the industry and our diploma program in September 2012, upgrading and steam-assisted gravity students,” said Kara Johnston, Director supplementing the one-year Heavy drainage processes. of Energy, Entrepreneurship and Aboriginal Oil Operations Technician certificate Programming. “The expansion gives program already offered. “This initiative will help to develop a us a chance to train our students to be highly skilled and flexible workforce, complete operators so that when they hit Lakeland’s power engineering program while ensuring small- and medium-sized industry, they are more fully trained and is unique in Canada because of the businesses remain competitive in the they have a greater depth of knowledge.” addition of the heavy oil training, local and global marketplace,” Minister a change that was important to the Lynne Yelich said when announcing the WD’s investment builds on previous college’s industry partners. investment in March 2013. support, announced in February 2012, to Lakeland College for two mobile Also significant is that companies will The equipment will be housed at the pyrolysis units to test, evaluate and be able to upgrade workers’ heavy oil College’s new Petroleum Centre. The demonstrate biochar products for expansion, expected to be complete the agricultural and environmental

by early 2015, will offer a large power marketplace. AW

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www.wd-deo.gc.ca BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Enhancing animal health testing in the West

Federal support is helping “PDS is very excited about the Saskatoon’s Prairie Diagnostic opportunity that this investment Services Inc. (PDS) purchase provides,” said PDS CEO Marilyn Jonas. new equipment that will give “The new services will enhance the value western Canadian veterinarians of our laboratory to Western Canada’s animal production and veterinary and animal producers access to community by expanding the breadth enhanced diagnostics testing and depth of our diagnostic capability

services. > and expertise. We see this as important Maggie Schwab, Area Supervisor, PDS for individual clients and as a key The federally-funded equipment will Microbiology Lab (left) and Dale Godson, component of our broader role in support the development of new testing PDS Microbiologist (right) show Minister animal disease detection and Yelich lab equipment. for toxins in animal feeds, and enhance surveillance in the western Canadian existing services in other areas. This region, and in Canada as a whole.” will allow veterinarians to maintain the The increased testing capabilities will health of food animals and wildlife while also allow PDS to better help western Jonas explained that this equipment supporting the export of food products Canadian producer groups meet will provide western Canadian industry from all of Canada. domestic and international regultory with opportunities that don’t currently standards. For example, tests for exist in the region. “Our Government is committed to detecting bacteria and viruses using helping businesses develop and maintain molecular biology techniques will be “We’re in constant contact with our a competitive advantage,” said Minister expanded. This testing methodology is veterinarian clients and through them to Lynne Yelich when she announced WD being utilized to a much greater extent in producers,” said Jonas. “Some of the funding to the laboratory in April. “A testing for export. Molecular diagnostics new testing that will be provided through strong private sector and regional is also playing an increasingly important this investment is either not currently economies are crucial to job creation and role in the early diagnosis of serious available in Western Canada, or not long-term prosperity for Canadians.” diseases, including avian and swine available to the extent that they would influenza. like it to be.” AW

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WEST ACCESS

’s AW est will require will require est

echnology Support echnology > Minister Yelich speaks at an speaks at an Minister Yelich announcement in support of Shipbuilding Canada’s Western Action Plan atCollege. Camosun combines traditional training with combines traditional training with the opportunity to be innovative and new approaches and to create applied, spot solutions through said research,” practitioner-led for Vice President Roemer, Tom Dr. Strategic Development. The MARCenTTS facility will also for Trades incorporate a Centre Education and Innovation, now under Island construction, the Vancouver for Advanced Manufacturing Centre and a Technology and Prototyping, to help industries Access Centre new adopt and commercialize technologies. Please contact the editor at at the editor contact Please [email protected]

rades and T and rades

Our partners and stakeholders are are and stakeholders Our partners with material reprint to welcome permission. “Over the last year, our Government’s our Government’s “Over the last year, Shipbuilding Action Plan has helped contribute to the thriving and competitive shipbuilding industry in Minister Lynne Canada,” said Western at the funding announcement in Yelich investment supports “Today’s January. our Plan by ensuring that Canadians the have the skills needed to address demand for 30,000 skilled workers in resource and the shipbuilding, repair industries.” Federal funding is being used to buy and and install marine, aerospace trades training equipment, improve applied and facilities for infrastructure and enhance and innovation, research Access Technology the College’s Centre. small- In addition to providing and medium-sized businesses and medium-sized businesses with MARCenTTS qualified staff, them access to innovative will offer resources. problem-solving of a true centre to create “In order industry excellence to help regional successful, we developed be more integrating concept that a more

AW

Mark Keneford and and Mark Keneford

> BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS Camosun College’s Kathryn Laurin Camosun College’s Roemer at an Tom and Dr. announcement at Camosun College. joins (left to right) Minister Yelich Wärtsilä’s ACCESSWEST | SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Canadian Publication Mail Agreement Canadian Publication No. 40063159 to: return please If undeliverable Canada Diversification Economic Western 500, Gillin Building Suite West 141 Laurier Avenue K1P 5J3 Ontario Ottawa, growing focus on marine, aerospace and resource industries in the W industries and resource on marine, aerospace focus A growing is committed in Victoria and Camosun College workers- of skilled generation new a is helping Camosun reach that goal with funding for its new new its for goal with funding that reach WD is helping Camosun them. providing to T for Centre Industry Resource and Marine, Aerospace, ). (MARCenTTS 16 This investment is part of Western This investment is part of Western Shipbuilding Action Plan, Canada’s which helps small- and medium-

Industry Marine sized businesses take advantage of the through opportunities created National Shipbuilding Procurement is the which The Strategy, Strategy. 30-year, Government of Canada’s $33 billion initiative for renewing the federal fleet, uses Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRBs) to ensure Canadian companies benefit from these major federal contracts. olumbia C British hening Strengt