Research and technology parks are an important part of the innovation infrastructure in Canada. Our Government's investment will increase the foreign profile of western Canadian companies, create new jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

We are well-placed internationally right now and this government has been very clear in stating that our continued concern and vision for this country is to see that long-term economic growth and prosperity, build on the track record of one million net new jobs. These are things Canadians want -- to have steady hands on the tiller and that's what's been done today.

As a young woman in politics, it also gives me great pleasure to see additional female cabinet representation here today. You know, these are very high levels of representation for women around the cabinet table and I think that that's something that's very important to me.

Research and technology parks are an important part of the innovation infrastructure in Canada. Our Government's investment will increase the foreign profile of western Canadian companies, create new jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

Our Government is committed to supporting Canadian businesses as they grow, innovate and generate high-value jobs - in the West and across the country. The WINN Initiative assists western Canadian businesses in bringing innovative ideas from the test bench to the marketplace.

To keep up with the demands of the growing manufacturing sector, our Government is pleased to invest in the establishment of the Saskatchewan Manufacturing Centre of Excellence. Training skilled workers and increasing productivity and innovation are essential to the continued growth and prosperity of Saskatchewan, and Western Canada.

Our Government is pleased to invest in increasing export market access for the western Canadian lamb industry. By further strengthening this industry, we are helping producers create economic growth and long-term prosperity.