Alice Wong, MP

News Release

Richmond, British Columbia— As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Conservative government will significantly expand graduate program scholarships, helping to deliver a more robust, competitive Canadian economy, said MP Alice Wong at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

“Our government is investing in business, science and technology to create jobs, improve the quality of life for Canadians and strengthen the economy for future generations,” said MP Alice Wong. “These additional scholarships will help our universities develop the best researchers in the world and keep Canadian talent here at home.”

The Conservative government is providing $87.5 million to the granting councils over three years starting in 2009-10, and will create an additional 500 doctoral scholarships and 1000 master’s scholarships per year.

As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Conservative government is providing an additional investment of over $5.1 billion toward science and technology initiatives, including $87.5 million for the Canada Graduate Scholarships program.

The funding will help more of the country’s top graduate students to deepen their skills through further study in support of a more innovative economy. Part of the funding will also be directed towards business degrees to help Canadian businesses stay competitive on the world stage.

The Canada Graduate Scholarships program is a shared initiative of three granting councils. Of the $87.5 million, $35 million will be allocated to Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, $35 million to Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and $17.5 million to Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

News Release

Vancouver, British Columbia — Today, Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Richmond, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced a $140,000 federal government investment to the City of Vancouver to move forward with projects to strengthen the economic and business capabilities of Vancouver’s Chinatown and Strathcona communities.

“Our Government’s action will ensure that our local communities have the tools they need to attract new business and create new jobs,” said Dr. Wong. “Today’s announcement is part of our efforts to address the challenges our communities face during this time of global economic recession.”

Government of Canada funding, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, will help the City of Vancouver establish a business attraction and marketing strategy for both the Chinatown and Strathcona communities.

“I grew up in the downtown eastside of Vancouver, and have been involved with this community for over 30 years,” said Vancouver City Councillor George Chow. “I’m pleased to see our Government investing in Chinatown and Strathcona. This funding will open up new opportunities and hasten the progress we are already seeing in this proud neighbourhood of history and diversity.”

In Strathcona, the project will include an action plan to increase business productivity through sustainable, green business practices.

“Entering these economically challenging times, the Strathcona Business Improvement Association is developing more progressive and holistic tools to support our businesses in increasing their productivity through sustainable and environmental means,” said Toby Barazzuol, Vice-Chair, Strathcona Business Improvement Association. “With this funding support, the SBIA can realize its goals of strengthening existing businesses while also developing the community that will support the next generation of sustainable businesses.”

The investment will also help Chinatown develop a business recruitment marketing package and action plan for local merchants to improve customer attraction and service.

“On behalf of the Vancouver Chinatown BIA, I am very grateful to WD for funding projects through the city of Vancouver that will create a new legacy involving broad community groups working collectively to implement tangible solutions that will stimulate business and economic development in Chinatown,” added Albert Fok, President, Vancouver Chinatown BIA Society.

Today’s announcement comes as part of Western Economic Diversification Canada’s commitment to the Vancouver Agreement. Strathcona Business Improvement Association, Bell and Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Society provided additional funding for the Business Improvement Associations projects, which has a total project cost of $250,000.

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations, and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.

For additional information, contact:

Donna Howes
Communications Manager,
British Columbia Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: 604-666-1318
Cell: 604-505-6616

Wendy Au
Assistant City Manager
Tel: 604-871-6639

Cathy Kwan
Strathcona Business Improvement Association
Tel: 604-258-2727

Albert Fok
President
Vancouver Chinatown BIA Society
Tel: 604-632-3808