A new vision for the Prairies
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/11/2021 (553 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
On Oct. 26, I was sworn in as Canada’s northern affairs minister, as well as minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and the first-ever Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).
The next day, I was sworn in as the member of Parliament for Saint Boniface – Saint Vital, a role in which I have had the privilege and honour of serving for the past six years.
PrairiesCan is a new regional development agency, born from the former Western Economic Diversification. It is dedicated solely to the Prairies and is intended to facilitate connections with local businesses and create greater agility to find solutions to the challenges. With more funding and points of service in the Prairies, it will improve access and collaboration between the federal government and businesses, academia, non-profits and other levels of government.
Earlier this month, I participated in the official opening of RRC Polytech’s new centre for innovation, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, meaning ‘Where the Creator sits/Brings light’ in Anishinaabemowin.
With a $40.7 million grant from the post-secondary institutions strategic investment fund, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae is a great example of how regional development agencies can be an important partner and advocate for local projects that will have important positive impacts in our communities.
Over the past six years, I have met a number of entrepreneurs and business owners in Saint Boniface – Saint Vital and across Manitoba who have inspired me with their innovation. PrairiesCan is all about meeting people where they are in order to better capitalize on growth opportunities. And as a proud Winnipegger and Manitoban, I am committed to ensuring continued economic growth for our city and our province.
I look forward to meeting more of Manitoba’s – and the Prairies’ – entrepreneurs, innovators, and communities to learn more about their unique needs.
Dan Vandal
Saint Boniface-Saint Vital constituency report
Dan Vandal is the Liberal MP for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital.