My Speeches

Alberta - Canada Growing Forward Program

Posted on Apr 28, 2009

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Battle River-Wainwright.

Alberta-Canada Growing Forward Program

Mr. Griffiths: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an important
partnership that was announced last week. The five-year AlbertaCanada
Growing Forward agreement provides for a cost-shared
investment and commitment to moving our agricultural industry
forward. It is part of a strategic national framework that’s focused
on concrete actions to help position our producers for long-term
success.Alberta’s agricultural industry is export oriented, and in today’s
highly competitive global economy our producers, processors, and
other agribusinesses need to make changes in order to compete.
That is what Alberta’s Growing Forward programs are designed to
help support.
Just as important, Mr. Speaker, Growing Forward recognizes that
industry needs to be a leader in creating our own success. Grants are
dependent on industry members also investing in projects. Simply
put, Growing Forward is designed to help industry help itself. This
partnership is very responsive to Alberta’s needs. It gives us the
flexibility to focus on the specific areas that industry in this province
needs to further develop in order to advance. The program includes
ones that will help industry differentiate its products for priority
markets and integrate best practices to further protect our land and
water. The bottom line is that Growing Forward programs will help
industry become more competitive and innovative, manage risk, and
contribute to the priorities of Albertans.
Alberta’s agricultural industry helped build this province. With
the strategic support provided through Growing Forward, this
industrywill continueto makeanimportant contribution to Alberta’s
economy, its rural communities, and its future.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.