GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN INVEST IN THE TECHNOLOGY SECTOR

The Saskatchewan Advanced Technology Association (SATA) has launched a $356,610 four-part initiative that will develop strategies to foster the long-term growth of the province's high technology sector.

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), and Saskatchewan Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline, announced a total of $295,984 in matching funds for the initiative through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA).

"SATA's forward-looking initiative will make the necessary connection between the local technology sector and its future as a global competitor," Goodale said. "The Government of Canada will continue to work with the high-tech industry as it establishes Saskatchewan and Canada as pacesetters in the world's knowledge-based economy."

"The development and commercialization of advanced technologies from environmental monitoring to robotic mining is vital to Saskatchewan's economy," Cline said. "Our investment in this long term strategy will pay off with citizens who have the vision, education and training to expand this sector in an increasingly competitive global market."

The four-phase initiative will focus on determining the state of the advanced technology industry, identifying education needs, developing web resources and establishing a strategic plan for SATA and its stakeholders.

"The Saskatchewan technology industry is competing in global markets on a daily basis and we need to ensure that the local business environment is conducive to sustained growth and high productivity," SATA Executive Director Greg Sutton said. "The overall goal of this project is to strengthen the advanced technology industry in Saskatchewan and its supporting infrastructure."

SATA is a non-profit corporation that brings small to medium-sized Saskatchewan-based technology companies and organizations together to expand and enhance the province's advanced technology sector. It is providing timely support to an industry that is booming in the province with the arrival of the Canadian Light Source synchrotron and the growth of Ag-biotechnology, information technology, satellite tracking systems, and space and atmospheric research.

SATA's mandate covers the concerns of over 700 companies from the advanced technology industry in Saskatchewan. Its 170 members represent Information and Communication Technology, New Media, Instrumentation and Electronics, Aerospace, Engineering, Environment, Manufacturing, and Biotechnology.

In September 2003, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan entered into the new four-year, $50 million Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA). The agreement focuses on increasing the competitiveness and productivity of the Saskatchewan economy.

Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and the March 2004 provincial budget.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversitification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-5942	Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-7967
Greg Sutton Saskatchewan Advanced Technology Association Saskatoon Phone: (306) 244-3889