Minister Paradis Encourages Alberta Entrepreneurs to Invest in Innovation

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Aug. 21, 2012) - Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), emphasized jobs, growth and long-term prosperity as key government priorities during his address to members of the Alberta Enterprise Group.

"Since coming to office, our government has worked to strengthen Canada's business climate, making it one of the most attractive in the world," said Minister Paradis. "Our world is becoming smaller and more digital. We need to be fully engaged in this new world for Canada to carry its success well into the future. This means investing in innovation and research and creating new products and services."

In his remarks, Minister Paradis highlighted some of the measures in Economic Action Plan 2012 that will promote economic growth, modernize our laws and digital infrastructure, and spur private sector investment in research and development.

"Canada's economic growth and prosperity will be driven by innovation in the digital economy" said the Minister. "We are on the right course. But to create jobs, to grow and to maintain our prosperity over the long term, we cannot work alone. We-academia, governments, and the public and private sectors-need to work together."

The Alberta Enterprise Group is a public policy advocacy group. The companies that comprise its membership employ more than 50,000 workers and generate billions of dollars for Alberta's economy each year.

Since 2006, the Harper Government has invested nearly $8 billion in initiatives supporting science, technology and the growth of innovation firms in Canada, including $5 billion for advanced research, education and training; $2 billion for post-secondary infrastructure; and $1 billion for applied research and financing. This funding has helped to make Canada a world leader in post-secondary education research and to create the knowledge and highly skilled workforce that are required for a more prosperous economy.