WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg today announced over $2.5 million in funding under the tri-level Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA). The investment made today will support 32 projects that focus on Aboriginal participation, downtown renewal, and supporting technology and innovation.
Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, the Honourable Scott Smith, Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade, and Winnipeg’s Mayor Sam Katz made the announcement.
“We want our cities and communities to be the best in the world – desirable destinations for travelers, immigrants or investors, while being a great place to choose to call home here in Manitoba,” said Minister Alcock. “For all cities and communities, the New Deal is about developing a vision of where they – and our country – will be in 30 years and how to get there from here.”
“Studies have shown cities that prosper and thrive have diverse populations, state of the art technology and excellent recreational opportunities,” said Minister Smith. “These projects foster that ideal and will help Winnipeg stay on top as a strong capital for Manitoba.”
“The projects we are announcing today are a great example of the diversity and flexibility this unique partnership offers,” said Mayor Katz. “I want to acknowledge all of our partners for their support for these projects which will help make our city a better place to live.”
This investment contributes to continued efforts to ensure Winnipeg is a vibrant, healthy and prosperous city. These projects will position Winnipeg as a western Canadian leader in implementing a wireless-enabled service that will provide wireless connectivity throughout the downtown core.
Efforts are also being made to ensure that Winnipeg supports new technology-based businesses as well as leveraging support to build on the innovative proteomic, genomic and bioinformatics research and development communities.
The WPA also strongly supports neighbourhood-driven revitalization projects that are designed by the people living in the community. The same is true of projects designed by community organizations that better address the needs of urban Aboriginals in order to integrate cultural, social and economic traditions for a stronger social fabric in Winnipeg.
The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement was signed in May 2004. Community consultations are ongoing to develop the component programs. Interested parties are encouraged to consult the website at http://www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca for program details.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is the federal department responsible for administering this agreement, including coordinating funding on behalf of the Government of Canada’s Urban Aboriginal Strategy.
Federal funding for this initiative is included in the fiscal framework.
(NOTE: please refer to the backgrounder below for project descriptions)
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Backgrounder:
Wireless Feasibility Study/Pilot Project – $65,000 in WPA Funding
The University of Winnipeg, Red River College, and the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development are partnering to develop Learning Computer and Information Technology Infrastructure (LearningCITI). This partnership unifies educational opportunities among these downtown educational hubs.
The pilot will provide wireless Internet service to the student populations of all three campuses.
MEDIA CONTACT
Katherine Unruh
phone: 204.786.9872
email: k.unruh@uwinnipeg.ca
