Government of Canada Partners with Life Science Association of Manitoba to Promote Bioproduct Producers

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - July 16, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for the Life Science Association of Manitoba (LSAM) to pursue national and international business opportunities for western Canadian producers and manufacturers of bioproducts.

Federal funding of $58,000 through the Western Diversification Program (WDP) will support the development and promotion of opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to highlight the collective strength in biomaterials and supply chain management in Western Canada at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology in Montreal, July 19 - 22, 2015.

LSAM will conduct workshops as well as host an interactive trade show pavilion which includes meeting space for SMEs to hold Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings with potential customers, investors, and partners.

Quick Facts

• The BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology is the world's largest industrial biotechnology event for business leaders, investors, and policy makers in biofuels, biobased products, and renewable chemicals.
• Bioproducts are value added products created from what was once considered waste material.
• LSAM is a not-for-profit industry association dedicated to a vibrant and sustainable Manitoba Life Science industry focused on the creation and production of innovative tools and products through scientific advancements to improve the daily life of the global population and to increase industry-wide economic growth.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to support western Canadian businesses in establishing new markets and attracting international investment. Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are abundant producers of high quality bioproducts and this investment capitalizes on our region's advantage."

- Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre

"Real opportunities exist across Western Canada in the developing biomaterials sector. There are vast amounts of available biomass and the technologies are being developed in world-recognized Centres of Excellence, such as the Composites Innovation Centre, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The partnership that is being developed between Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta will only further advance technology development and commercialization in this important sector."

- John Pacek, Chair of the Board, Life Science Association of Manitoba

"Ag-West Bio is pleased to work with our partners in Manitoba and Alberta to increase the profile of the resource-rich agricultural region in the growing biomaterials sector. The prairie provinces offer easy access to biomass, along with expertise in bioproducts and composites research. We look forward to continuing this partnership which enables us to showcase our successes on an international state, growing stronger together."

- Wilf Keller, CEO, Ag-West Bio Inc.

"Bio-based products meet the world's growing demand for 'green' solutions, while demonstrating desirable qualities such as being strong, light-weight, or environmentally friendly. We are very happy with the partnership of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan at this event as it enhances collaboration across Western Canada and increases the value and impact of the bio sector."

- Steve Price, CEO, Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions

Additional Links

• LSAM: http://www.lsam.ca/
• Ag-West Bio: http://www.agwest.sk.ca/
• Bio Alberta: http://www.bioalberta.com/

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