Toronto, Ont. – Public Works and Government Services Canada

On behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Chris Warkentin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Member of Parliament for Peace River, spoke to small and medium business owners at the Innovation Forum in Toronto.PS Warkentin spoke about the Build in Canada Innovation Program and other measures the Harper Government is taking to support small and medium enterprises. He also announced that 74 Canadian innovations have been pre-qualified for federal contracts through the fifth Call for Proposals under the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP).

Mr. Warkentin also participated in a roundtable with companies taking part in the BCIP Innovation Forum.

The BCIP helps cutting-edge Canadian businesses get their innovations from the lab to the marketplace. Successful innovations translate into jobs, and jobs lead to prosperity for hard-working Canadians and their families. This program is just one of the many ways the Harper Government supports small and medium businesses across Canada.

Quick Facts

• The BCIP was created in 2012 to help businesses move their innovative products and services from the lab to the marketplace.
• Innovations can be eligible for contracts up to $500,000 under the program’s standard component, and up to $1 million under the military component.
• As of February 11, 2015, 90 contracts had been awarded under the BCIP, bringing Canadian companies one step closer to moving their innovations into domestic and international markets.
• Since the program was established in 2012, 27 companies have sold their innovations in the marketplace.

Quotes

“Our Government’s top priorities are creating jobs and economic growth here in Canada. I am pleased to say that with the announcement that 74 additional innovations have been pre-qualified under the BCIP’s fifth Call for Proposals, we are helping Canadian businesses get their homegrown innovations from the lab to the marketplace. The BCIP ensures that small and medium-sized businesses have the opportunities to grow and prosper, in both Canada and on the world stage as well.”

The Honourable Diane Finley
Minister of Public Works and Government Services

“Through programs like the BCIP, our Government continues to support job creation, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in Canada. With this forum, Public Works and Government Services Canada is taking a leadership role to help small and medium enterprises expand, succeed and create jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity in Canada.”

Christopher Warkentin
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Member of Parliament for Peace River