Funding boost helps Alberta businesses enhance productivity, build skilled workforce

Alberta businesses will get a $10.3-million productivity boost thanks to funding for Productivity Alberta, provided by the Government of Alberta and Western Economic Diversification Canada.

“Increasing Alberta’s productivity is essential to maintain our long-term economic prosperity,” said Deputy Premier and President of Treasury Board and Enterprise Doug Horner. “The work that Productivity Alberta does to help our industries increase productivity and maximize efficiency will show a return-on-investment for years to come.”

“Our government is committed to helping small- and medium-sized businesses, and boosting the competitiveness and sustainability of Alberta’s economy,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, and Minister for Status of Women. “This investment in the Productivity Alberta initiative will help create opportunities for growth in key sectors of the economy, while laying the foundation for job creation.”

Productivity Alberta is an industry-led, not-for-profit corporation mandated to enhance productivity improvement, increase innovation, and build a skilled workforce to improve the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of Alberta’s economy.

The Government of Alberta is providing Productivity Alberta with $7.3 million in operating funds over three years, with funding levels for an additional two years to be determined. This includes the secondment of five employees for the first three years.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is investing $3 million towards Productivity Alberta to support firms in adding value to products and services, adopting innovative practices and technologies, and expanding their supply chains.

Formerly a branch of the Government of Alberta, Productivity Alberta was launched in October 2011. It serves as a “one-window” connection to the latest in productivity tools, resources and services, and its board of directors includes senior leaders from a variety of Alberta’s industry sectors. More information about Productivity Alberta can be found at www.productivityalberta.ca.