Notes for an address by

The Honourable Lynne Yelich, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State For Western Economic Diversification

Western Diversification Program
Funding Announcement

Corresponding Document: News Release (2010-07-13)

Thank you Josh. [emcee].

Good morning everyone.

I am delighted to be here with you today for this important announcement on behalf of Western Economic Diversification Canada.

To begin, I would like to acknowledge my fellow platform guests:

Wendy Kinsella, Chair of the Board of Governors for NorQuest College;

Jodi Abbott, President & CEO of NorQuest College; and

Josh Ramsbottom, Coordinator of Business Development for the Centre for Excellence in Print Media at NorQuest College.

As the fourth largest employer in Canada, the print industry is one of the most economically important and technologically advanced industrial sectors in the country. 

In Western Canada, 75 percent of the companies engaged in print-related activities are small firms with fewer than 20 employees.

These small and medium-sized businesses are currently facing several challenges, such as rapidly changing technology, increased competition and changing consumer demands.

The Centre for Excellence in Print Media plays an important role in addressing these challenges by enabling small firms to improve production standards and meet business needs through new technologies and processes.

In just over two years, the Centre has established itself as a vital resource for print business owners, their employees and new entrants into the Alberta print industry.

As a catalyst for bringing industry partners together and fostering innovation, the Centre for Excellence in Print Media is well-positioned to continue shaping the print industry in Western Canada.

For these reasons, I am proud to announce today that the Government of Canada is investing $896,750 dollars towards further enhancing the capabilities of the Centre for Excellence in Print Media.

Federal funding allows for the acquisition of cutting-edge software, equipment and expertise that are needed for upgrading the Centre’s Job Definition Format system, or JDF as it is otherwise known.

As an emerging global standard in the digital print industry that is expected to experience rapid growth, the JDF system has become a vital tool that allows print shops to effectively manage their workflow between various print applications and systems.

With today’s investment, NorQuest College’s print centre can rise to the next level and provide companies with the ability to test new equipment and software, train staff, and receive the support and expertise they need to integrate new technologies.

All of these benefits are vital to ensuring Alberta’s print firms can continue taking advantage of industry opportunities while increasing their productivity and competitiveness.

Today’s funding builds on our previous investment of $1.4 million dollars towards establishing the Centre for Excellence in Print Media here at NorQuest College.

This initiative aligns with our priority of increasing productivity and competitiveness in the West by facilitating the adoption of new technologies and processes for businesses.

We recognize that small and medium-sized businesses are the engines of the Canadian economy, responsible for the creation of most new jobs.

By supporting initiatives such as the Centre for Excellence in Print Media, our Government is helping businesses invest and innovate so that they can continue to grow and create new jobs.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this project and wish you every success as you move forward.

Together, we are building a stronger West for a stronger Canada – now and for the future.

Thank you.