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Today, Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced funding to enable the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) to work with Saskatchewan and western Canadian exporters to secure new business contracts with international financial institutions.

“This investment will help the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership reach new markets and expand international opportunities for western Canadian business,” said Ms. Block. “Our Government is proud to support projects that increase business competitiveness and strengthen our economy.”

To help Saskatchewan exporters and western Canadian companies actively pursue contracts with international financial institutions, (i.e. World Bank, Asian Development Bank and African Development Bank), STEP will establish a new unit specializing in international financial institutions contract development. Saskatchewan exporters will then be able to rely on STEP’s expert advice to develop successful bids and win international financial institution contracts within developing countries.

The Western Economic Diversification Canada investment of $319,000 over three years, will result in a minimum of  four international financial institution contracts and eight subcontracts secured for western Canadian businesses.

"STEP is excited about the international project opportunities that the Government of Canada will assist in facilitating," said Lionel LaBelle, President & CEO of STEP.  "This funding will be instrumental in developing a consortium of Saskatchewan and western Canadian companies to actively pursue contracting opportunities with development agencies and financial institutions."

STEP is a privately led, publicly funded non-profit corporation. Established in 1996 as a public partnership between provincial exporting organizations and the Government of Saskatchewan, STEP has a mandate to coordinate provincial exporting efforts, particularly among small- and medium-sized businesses.

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with western provinces, industry associations and communities, promotes the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.

For additional information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (306) 975-5942
Cell: (306) 221-6064
 
Mr. Lionel LaBelle
President & CEO
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
Telephone: (306) 227-8275