Minister Duguid announces investments to accelerate business growth in Edmonton

ShaziaLocal News

Alberta – The Edmonton region is a thriving source of economic diversification in Alberta and home to some of Canada’s most innovative, high-growth companies responsible for strengthening our national economy. The Government of Canada is supporting leading-edge small- and medium-sized businesses in Edmonton to continue growing and creating quality jobs that Canadians can count on.

Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a federal investment of over $6.7 million for Edmonton companies to grow by helping them become more productive and competitive, and access new markets for their products and services. Each of these companies is a leader in developing innovative applications in sectors ranging from sustainable building technologies and digital health solutions to advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.

Local companies receiving support include:

  • Levven Electronics is receiving up to $1,257,000 to enhance manufacturing capacity, build out a national marketing and sales team, and expand the product line for its patented in-home building technology which makes homes more affordable and sustainable by reducing costs and materials.
  • CARE Group is receiving up to $1,500,000 to scale its digital mental health platform to over 50 rural and Indigenous communities across Canada with a goal of enhancing access to high-quality mental health care for underserved populations.
  • Demir Engineering Ltd. is receiving up to $2,500,000 to expand in-house production of innovative bi-metallic and metal matrix industrial products, scale up its advanced manufacturing business, increase its workforce, and expand into new domestic and international markets.
  • Grengine is receiving up to $1,500,000 to scale production of its cutting-edge battery energy storage technology while expanding manufacturing, reducing costs, and accelerating deployment of its plug-and-play battery packs for critical infrastructure and remote operations.

Today’s investments are expected to help contribute to approximately 100 jobs and enhance the ability of local companies to access the talent, technology and resources they need to bring Alberta-made innovations to new domestic and global markets.

In line with the priorities of the Government of Canada’s Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, these investments are about collaborating more closely on local priorities and building on local strengths to seize opportunities for a prosperous and sustainable Prairie economy.

Also,

Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Energy and Natural Resources and Official Languages, today announced a FedNor investment of $1,041,192 to support three strategic initiatives that will benefit businesses, families and individuals in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (AA). MP Serré was joined by Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, for the announcement, which was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

First, a targeted investment of $575,199 helped Giyak Mashkawzid Shkagmikwe (GMS), AA’s economic development corporation, purchase a new diamond drill. The drill will be owned by GMS and leased to GMS’ joint venture, Bagone’an JS Drilling Inc., for use in resource exploration and mine development. This priority project reflects economic reconciliation in action by supporting the community in self-determined economic development. In addition to business expansion, this funding is helping the AA form new strategic alliances while positioning community to better respond to opportunities in the mining sector.

As part of the announcement, FedNor funding of $465,993 is helping GMS complete phase two ($238,297) and phase three ($227,696) of the community’s Chi-Zhiingwaak business park development. The funding will be used to prepare the business lots for occupancy. This includes supporting design, engineering and marketing costs, lot grading and the extension of road, water, wastewater, electrical, natural gas and telecommunications services to the 15 unoccupied lots. Once fully occupied, the designated 26-hectare business park is expected to create more than 170 jobs for First Nation community members and close to 200 more across the region.

“These investments will help power some of Edmonton’s most innovative, high-growth companies to realize their full potential, scale up, expand into new markets, and create more high-quality jobs for Canadians. Our government is proud to support Alberta’s technology sector by providing the capital and resources needed to enhance competitiveness and bring Alberta-made solutions to the world.” – Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan 

“Edmonton is a global leader in innovation, pioneering new products and services in sustainable building technologies, digital health solutions, advanced manufacturing, alternative energies, and much more. Our government’s investments are helping to further advance the Edmonton region’s reputation for bringing new ideas to market across a wide range of sectors and industries.”- Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre