Investments In Acadia University, Nova Scotia Wines
May 24th, 2012
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for ACOA and La Francophonie, announced today three Government of Canada investments at Acadia University in Wolfville. Acadia University and the Winery Association of Nova Scotia will work to provide additional economic and business development opportunities for the Annapolis Valley and Nova Scotia.
“Our Government’s top priority is job creation, growth, and long-term prosperity. We are proud of these innovative projects that highlight and promote innovation within the rural context here in Nova Scotia,” said Minister MacKay. “These projects demonstrate innovation and ingenuity seeking to develop and expand markets for goods and services produced in rural Nova Scotia.”
The total Government of Canada investment represents $665,000, and is being delivered through ACOA. The goal of the newly-established Acadia Centre for Rural Innovation (ACRI) ($400,000) will be to facilitate industry engagement with Acadia University staff and resources in three key sectors: tidal energy; agri-food; and information and communications technology (ICT). Acadia will also create a Tidal Energy Toolkit ($90,000) to help Nova Scotia’s rural communities and businesses develop the capacity needed to identify and expand on opportunities related to tidal energy.
The Winery Association of Nova Scotia ($175,000) will foster the development of new products, increase the market penetration of Nova Scotia wines, and further enhance the tourism potential of Nova Scotia’s Wine Country. The Province of Nova Scotia has also invested a total of $154,445 in these three projects as part of jobsHere, the plan to grow Nova Scotia’s economy.
“The Annapolis Valley is a vibrant destination that boasts some of the best award-winning wines in the country, as well as tremendous potential for creating good jobs and growing the economy,” said Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris. “Our investments will stimulate innovation, and increase this region’s ability to compete globally.”
“Acadia has enjoyed a proud partnership with its local Annapolis Valley community for almost 175 years” said Ray Ivany, president and vice-chancellor of Acadia University. “We are very grateful for the contribution our funding partners have made to fostering rural innovation and the encouraging the development of sustainable energy through tidal power. Acadia’s intellectual and research capacity combined with its unique geographic location make it an ideal location for government and industry partnerships to thrive.”
Acadia University was founded in 1838 and has over 3000 students. It is known internationally as a centre of research excellence with a strong commitment to communicate that research to the surrounding community.
“The Nova Scotia wine industry continues to grow in volume and reputation for quality wines, “ said Janice Ruddock, Managing Director of the Winery Association of Nova Scotia. “We are truly fortunate to have this assistance to augment the sizable capital investments being made by industry to produce quality, unique wines that are 100% Nova Scotia.”
The Winery Association of Nova Scotia was established in 2002 to provide a unified voice for the wineries of Nova Scotia, and to promote the growth and development of Nova Scotian wines.