Harper Government Consulting Quebecers on Jobs and Economic Growth

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - July 8, 2013) - Today, the Honourable Mike Lake, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont, kicked off a week-long tour of Quebec to consult with Quebecers about job creation and economic growth. From July 8 to 12, Mr. Lake will also meet with business leaders in Montréal, Québec City and Saguenay to learn more about Canadian leadership in technological innovation.

"Our government, like all Canadians, remains focused on the economy, job creation and our long-term prosperity," said Mr. Lake. "From aerospace to university research, Quebec is an international leader in innovation. Our government is committed to working with our innovative Canadian entrepreneurs to continue promoting Quebec and Canada's economic success."

Mr. Lake will be consulting with a wide array of organizations, including business incubators, manufacturers, and technology companies. He will be visiting businesses that have partnered with the federal government through programs like the National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), a world-renowned innovation assistance program that supports small businesses in the development of new technologies. The tour will also include a visit to ArcticNet, a Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada.

Since 2006, the Harper Government has invested more than $9 billion in initiatives supporting science, technology and the growth of innovative firms in Canada. The Harper Government firmly believes that science powers commerce and works continuously to ensure Canada remains a premier destination for the world's brightest minds.