Government of Canada promotes innovation for economic growth and jobs in British Columbia and Canada

Shortlisted superclusters initiatives will energize regional economies and create jobs

VANCOUVER, Oct. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to growing the economy and creating middle-class jobs for Canadians by moving forward with the Innovation Superclusters Initiative. The Initiative will leverage a federal investment of up to $950 million to generate public-private partnerships in innovative industries across the country.

Superclusters will energize regional economies and help build a skilled workforce, enhance Canada's global competitiveness and create thousands of well-paying jobs for this generation and the next.

Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, concluded his cross-country tour to announce the shortlisted applicants to the Superclusters Initiative.

At the grand opening of The BC Tech Cube, Minister Bains announced the successful applicant from British Columbia.

Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster would make Canada faster, smarter and more collaborative in inventing, developing and applying digital technologies to the resource, precision health and manufacturing sectors.

Of more than 50 proposals, involving over 1,000 firms and 350 other participants, nine have been shortlisted and up to five will be selected as Canada's new superclusters.

The Innovation Superclusters Initiative is a centrepiece of the Government of Canada'sInnovation and Skills Plan, which is preparing Canada for a changing economy.

Quote

"Our government's Innovation Superclusters Initiative has started conversations and created solid partnerships between government, the private sector, academia and communities. In today's knowledge-based economy, this collaboration is essential. Together, we are building the economy of the future, creating the jobs of today and tomorrow, and gearing up for global success that will benefit all Canadians."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

• Minister Bains announced the shortlisted superclusters applicants during a cross-country tour that included stops in Halifax, Montréal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. In addition, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced the Saskatchewan-based shortlisted applicant in Regina.
• Superclusters are dense areas of business activity where many of the middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow are created. They attract large and small companies that collaborate with universities, colleges or not-for-profit organizations to turn ideas into solutions that can be brought to market.

Related products

• Backgrounder – Innovation Superclusters Initiative: Shortlist of Applicants
• Backgrounder – Quotes

Associated link

• Innovation Superclusters Initiative

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada