Government of Canada Helps Canadian Companies Compete Globally to Create Jobs and Prosperity at Home
Canada International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan
announces funding for 30 Canadian business associations
(August 17, 2010) The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, today announced that 30 Canadian associations will receive $2.3 million to help the businesses and industries they represent compete globally. The funding is part of the Government of Canada’s 2010-11 Global Opportunities for Associations program.
“Business associations play a key role in helping Canadian businesses compete in the global economy,” said Minister Van Loan. “Our government’s support will help Canadian business associations attract foreign direct investment, encourage innovation and create opportunities for Canadian businesses to market their products and services to the world.
“The Global Opportunities for Associations program is just one way we are helping Canadian businesses compete in the global marketplace.”
Minister Van Loan made the announcement during a keynote speech to the Vancouver Board of Trade.
“Through our aggressive free trade agenda, our government is creating new opportunities for businesses in markets around the world,” the Minister said.
“In less than four years, our government has concluded free trade negotiations with Colombia, Jordan, Panama, Peru and the European Free Trade Association. We are also moving forward on trade negotiations with India and the European Union.”
The recipients of funding through Global Opportunities for Associations represent a wide range of Canadian economic sectors. They include automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, life sciences, clean technology, information and communications technologies, and defence. This Government of Canada program matches up to 50 percent of the recipient’s eligible expenses for activities such as trade shows, trade missions, the development of marketing tools and research.
“Whenever the Canadian private sector succeeds globally, it translates into jobs and prosperity at home,” added Minister Van Loan. “Our partnerships with business associations and community organizations that are encouraging trade and foreign investment are steps our government is taking to ensure that Canada emerges from the economic downturn stronger, and in better fiscal shape, than nearly every other industrialized country.”
Eligible associations may apply for funding once a year. Each application is subject to a review process that involves detailed evaluation. Successful applicants receive non-repayable contributions of up to $150,000. For more information, please consult Global Opportunities for Associations. For further information, media representatives may contact:
Monika Bujalska
