3. – Minister’s first key messages about PrairiesCan
- I am pleased to become the Minister Responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. And I thank former minister Dan Vandal for his leadership of PrairiesCan on important projects that are making a difference for people and communities across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba including his crucial role in the revitalization of downtown Winnipeg.
- I know that the Prairies are an economic and energy powerhouse that supports job creation, exports and Canada’s economy. This government knows that too.
- Our government is working to strengthen the middle class, grow the economy, and deliver fairness for every generation. Building a stronger, resilient, and sustainable Prairie economy that works for everybody is part of that.
- PrairiesCan is on-the-ground in eleven communities across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The department collaborates every day with businesses, organizations, communities and other orders of government to grow the Prairies economy and create more jobs people can rely on.
- This region accounts for 23 percent of Canada’s GDP and 35 percent of our exports. Our economy is diversified and energized – and we can achieve more by boosting our productivity, pursuing clean growth, and being clear-eyed about the impact that climate change is having across the Prairies.
- That’s why PrairiesCan is focused on developing our natural advantages in areas such as clean-tech, critical minerals, value-added agriculture, and zero-emission heavy vehicles.
- I am about seizing new opportunities for prosperity. We have much to do together. It’s time to get to work.