Notes for an address by

The Honourable Rona Ambrose
President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada,
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Funding Announcement 

Check Against Delivery

Thank you Mr. Heidecker.

Good morning everyone.

It is an honour to be here today representing the Government of Canada at this milestone event. I would like to begin by acknowledging my distinguished platform guests and partners: The Honourable Dave Hancock, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness; His Worship, Mayor Stephen Mandel; and President Samarasekera.

I would also like to acknowledge our local Members of Parliament who are in attendance today: Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre; James Rajotte, MP for Edmonton–Leduc; Mike Lake, MP for Edmonton–Millwoods–Beaumont; and Ken Epp, MP for Edmonton–Sherwood Park

A century ago, the roots for a proud tradition of excellence in research and innovation were established with the founding of the University of Alberta. Today, that same commitment to advancing human knowledge—for the benefit of all Canadians and people around the world—is evident in the world-class research that is carried out by the University's scientists, engineers and researchers.

But in order for that research to truly make a positive impact on local communities and in the lives of Canadians, there must be a way of converting bright ideas into marketable products and services to generate more economic growth.

This is the spirit behind the launch of Enterprise Square as a centre of innovation, research, creativity, learning and partnership.

The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, is proud to have invested $15 million towards establishing the TEC Centre on the third and fourth floors of Enterprise Square.

As a key component of Enterprise Square, the TEC Centre will serve as a major regional incubation hub, providing lab and office space as well as commercialization services to assist early-stage technology-based businesses in moving their products or services from the lab to the market.

Whether it's developing a promising new treatment for multiple sclerosis, creating nutritional supplements that manage cholesterol levels or commercializing a new method for testing semiconductor chips. The companies formed as a result of the research undertaken at the University of Alberta are at the forefront of exploring new technologies and applications.

In fact, the University of Alberta has already created 73 spin-off companies that are currently active and employ more than 1,000 highly skilled workers.

Today's launch of Enterprise Square opens the door to many new possibilities for even more local companies to succeed.

For western Canadians, that means a more diversified and sustainable economy, a higher standard of living, innovative new products and services, and better, more highly skilled jobs.

As the federal department responsible for economic diversification in the West, WD is working to ensure a prosperous future for western Canadians by promoting the creation of skilled jobs and technologies that will drive economies of the future.

This is achieved by supporting the creation and growth of knowledge-based research and development and business clusters, as well as the commercialization of new products, technologies and services.

In the recent Speech from the Throne , our Government emphasized the importance of supporting Canadian researchers and innovators in developing new ideas and bringing them to the marketplace through Canada's Science and Technology Strategy.

Our S&T Strategy is aimed at strengthening Canada's ability to transform research into real economic benefits, and will foster three distinct Canadian S&T advantages: An Entrepreneurial Advantage that encourages firms to be innovators; A Knowledge Advantage that puts Canadians at the international forefront of research and discovery; and A People Advantage that helps Canadians acquire the skills they need to participate in the knowledge-based economy.

The strategy and its policy commitments are guided by four core principles:

• First, we will ensure our policies and programs inspire and assist Canadians to perform at world-class levels of scientific and technological excellence.
• Second, we will target more basic and applied research in areas where Canada has demonstrated strength and opportunity.
• Third, the Government of Canada will encourage partnerships, at home and abroad. Through partnerships, new synergies can be created and the unique capabilities, interests, and resources of various stakeholders can be brought together to deliver better outcomes.
• Finally, we will enhance accountability so those who are supported by public funds demonstrate to taxpayers that results are being achieved.

These are just a few examples of the actions we are taking as part of our renewed vision for a leading edge, competitive economy.

We will continue to build a more competitive and productive economy, and our investment of more than $15 million towards the TEC Centre is a step in that direction.

On behalf of the Government of Canada and Western Economic Diversification Canada, I would like to congratulate everyone who has been involved with making this project a reality. I am proud to be a part of the grand opening of Enterprise Square, and I wish you every success as you move forward.

Thank you.