Minister Carr unveils Government of Canada’s plan to support Manitoba’s economic future

Press Release

From: Western Economic Diversification Canada

June 14, 2019 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Western Economic Diversification Canada

The Government of Canada remains committed to growing the economy, creating good jobs, and keeping Canada competitive. That is why the Government of Canada, today, laid out priorities to accelerate western Canada’s growth, productivity, and competitiveness.

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, unveiled the next chapter of Grow West: The Western Canada Growth Strategy—a strategy to grow the western economy through four interconnected pillars:

• Diversification: Build a broader economy by growing emerging sectors and transforming resource sectors
• Trade: Seize global opportunities by improving export access and growing markets
• Skills: Foster talent for the new economy by strengthening education and upskilling
• Communities: Connect to innovation and growth by building resilience and liveability, and enhancing digital access

Western Canada has significant opportunities for strong growth, even with the natural and economic challenges of recent years. Manitoba is actively pursuing trade diversification and expanding access in the global marketplace, increasing exports by 12 per cent last year. With a rich endowment of natural resources, strategically located trade corridors, a highly skilled workforce, and strong capacity for research, Manitoba, and all the western provinces, are well-positioned to continue to thrive. Manitoba’s strengths are found in its diverse and vibrant communities, which form the backbone for its reputation for innovation, quality, and reliability in the national and global market. The diversification of Manitoba’s economy, rooted in its strong history in the agriculture, manufacturing and transportation sectors, is vital as we move forward.

In 2018, the Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, started laying the foundation to capitalize on home field advantages by engaging in meaningful conversations with Canadians about western Canada’s future. Budget 2019 allocated $100 million in new funding over the next three years for Western Economic Diversification Canada to strengthen programming and advance Grow West with like-minded partners. With a strong history of supporting industry, innovation, and economic development, the Department will coordinate efforts under the diversification priority.

To learn more about Grow West: The Western Canada Growth Strategy, visit www.grow-west.ca.

Quotes

“The world we know is changing and in order to succeed in the new global economy, we must mobilize all Canadians to deliver real change for the middle class and those working hard to join it. Grow West: The Western Canada Growth Strategy sets our path forward towards building an inclusive and innovative Canada. We’re excited to work alongside Canadians to realize the vision of the future, while creating the jobs of tomorrow.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

“Grow West is Canada’s evergreen and collaborative approach to position western Canada for success. Trade is one of the most essential components of a growing, thriving, and diverse modern economy and a growing middle class. The important partnerships cultivated through the Western Canada Growth Strategy will help align western Canada’s efforts and increase global trade opportunities for the benefit of all Canadians.”

– The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification

Quick facts

• Over the past two decades, western Canada’s strengths have helped drive national economic growth. In 2017, the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was $756 billion.
• The western provinces are home to nearly a third of the national population, more than half of all Indigenous peoples in Canada, and over 40 per cent of its recent immigrants.
• According to the last census, six of Canada’s fastest growing cities are in the West: Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Lethbridge, and Kelowna.
• Western Canadians are entrepreneurial and innovative. The region has more than 450,000 small- and medium-sized businesses that account for 92 per cent of private sector employment.
• In 2017, western Canada exported over $193 billion in goods and over $30 billion in services to other countries. The western provinces also exported $154 billion worth of goods and services to each other and the rest of Canada.
• Western Canada is home to the world’s largest potash reserves, third-largest crude oil reserves, and fourth-largest uranium reserves.

Related products

• Grow West: The Western Canada Growth Strategy
• Western Canada Growth Strategy
• What We Heard report
• Government of Canada Announces New Funding and Engagement Plan for Western Canada Growth Strategy
• Backgrounder: The Path Forward — Western Canada Growth Strategy

Associated links

• Innovation and Skills Plan
• Economic Strategy Tables
• Building an inclusive and innovative Canada
• Backgrounder: Investing in Regional Innovation and Development

Contacts

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Media Relations
Western Economic Diversification Canada
613-408-8987
wd.media-medias.deo@canada.ca

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