Nineteen economic development projects have received $7.3 million in the final instalment of the Canada-Alberta western economic partnership agreement.
Several agricultural projects received money because they promote technology, innovation and community development.
A research project for the four western provinces studying the effect of oil and gas industry flares on animal health got $400,000. The actual research is expected to start in January 2001 and will be the first scientific catalogue of health impacts and cattle herds.
The Leduc, Alta., food processing centre received $100,000 to purchase cereals fractionation equipment. This equipment breaks down grains into basic components for use in food processing, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The money will be matched from the centre’s budget. The processing centre is a 20,000 sq. foot facility where food scientists work with food processors to develop new products.
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The Olds College Innovation Centre got $250,000 to develop a centre of excellence focusing on training people to work in innovative agri-businesses, as well as promoting more applied research and commercialization.
The money is part of a federal-provincial agreement initiated in1998 to provide funds for economic development on a regional basis, says Angela Balec of the intergovernmental relations office.
“We are often asked why we are providing money in a robust economy, but we are looking more at the regional sectors in promoting economic development.
“As a province, we are able to target areas that could be helped.”
The diversification agreement was signed in 1998 and both governments committed $20 million each toward joint economic initiatives. The agreement expires March 31, 2002.
