Manitoba's billion-dollar information and communications technologies (ICT) sector will benefit from a new industry association created as a result of funding from the governments of Canada and Manitoba. The Information and Communications Technology Association of Manitoba (ICTAM) will undertake a series of projects to position itself as a regional, national and international representative of the province's ICT industry.

"Western Economic Diversification Canada is pleased to provide $40,000 to support the association's trade development and marketing activities," said the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Minister of State (Sport). "Information and communications technology is a growing industry in Manitoba. The sector will benefit from the focussed programming and services of ICTAM."

Manitoba will contribute $130,000 over five years in support of the new association. ICTAM's programs will include education, public awareness and marketing and networking. The new association will be the central voice of the ICT sector and deliver programming and networking opportunities to its members.

"The ICT sector helps business and industry manage information. The creation, distribution, and transmission of data is intrinsic to almost all businesses," said Tim Sale, Minister of Energy, Science and Technology. "This organization will be the catalyst to creating a competitive cluster here in Manitoba."

"I am excited to be working together with the committed board members and staff of ICTAM," said ICTAM chair, Bill Toews. "T ogether we are committed to facilitating and fostering significant innovation and growth in Manitoba's ICT sector."

The information and communications technologies sector includes hardware and software suppliers and service providers. There are over 200 ICT companies in Manitoba, employing more than 4,000 skilled workers. In 2002, the sector generated over $1 billion in revenue in the province.

As part of its commitment to supporting innovation and a knowledge-based economy, the province has targeted a 25 per cent increase in growth in the ICT sector by 2007.

Federal funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 budget.

For additional information, contact:

Jacquie Sippola
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (204) 983-0280
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Nadine Delisle
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-3810
http://www.gov.mb.ca/