Industry West

Manitoba invests $13M in downtown agriculture exchange to spur economic growth and international trade

Industry West — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:38:10 GMT

The Manitoba government announced April 10 that it is providing $13 million to Cereals Canada to establish the new Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate). This initiative will create a centralized space for agricultural innovation, business development and international trade, while assisting in the revitalization of downtown Winnipeg.

“Agricultu…

Three Saskatchewan credit unions recommend historic merger to members

Industry West — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:04:00 GMT

A major milestone in Saskatchewan’s financial landscape is underway as Conexus, Cornerstone, and Synergy Credit Unions officially recommend a merger to their members, following unanimous approval by all three Boards. If approved, the move would create Saskatchewan’s largest credit union—and one of the largest in Canada—with more than $15 billion in asse…

Calgary charts course to become Canada's Innovation Capital

Industry West — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:20:00 GMT

In response to global economic uncertainties, Calgary Economic Development (CED) has introduced a comprehensive Innovation Strategy designed to position Calgary as Canada's leading hub for innovation. The strategy anticipates the creation of up to 187,000 jobs and an infusion of over $28 billion into the economy within the next decade.

"While we're faci…

Grasslands acquires Prairie Berries as founder retires

Industry West — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:20:00 GMT

In a move to expand Saskatchewan's agricultural products to global markets, Grasslands Group of Companies announced it has acquired Prairie Berries Inc., the country's leading grower and processor of Saskatoon berries.

This acquisition marks a significant step in Grasslands' strategy to enhance its presence in the agri-food industry while honoring the l…

Manitoba partners to grow critical mineral market

Industry West — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:02:00 GMT

The Manitoba government announced on Mar. 26 that it is partnering with the Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. (MAMI) to develop and deliver an international marketing campaign, showcasing the opportunities available in critical minerals.

“We know the world needs Manitoba’s minerals and our government is committed to strengthening and growing our miner…

Calgary launches hydrogen hub to power low-carbon economy

Industry West — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 23:46:00 GMT

Calgary has officially launched the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub (CRH2), a collaborative initiative designed to accelerate the development and adoption of hydrogen technologies across Alberta and beyond. Managed by the Transition Accelerator, the hub aims to leverage Calgary's energy expertise, skilled workforce, and strategic location to position the re…

Western Canada farmland values surge in 2024 amid strong demand and dry conditions

Industry West — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:01:00 GMT

In 2024, Western Canada's farmland values experienced notable increases, as detailed in the latest Farmland Values Report from Farm Credit Canada (FCC), released on March 14. Saskatchewan led the nation with a 13.1 per cent rise in average farmland values, while British Columbia saw an 11.3 per cent increase. Alberta reported a 7.1 per cent growth, and…

Through the Windshield: Part 3

Industry West — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:11:58 GMT

This is the third and final installment of a three-part opinion series by Ben Voss and Ron Lyseng, exploring firsthand insights from a 14-day drive through rural America.

Let me start with this; our industry is not growing. Our industry is shrinking. Birth rates are dropping. The population is aging. Amongst a variety of other factors, these two trends a…

Through the Windshield: Part II

Industry West — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:01:03 GMT

This is the second installment of a three-part opinion series by Ben Voss and Ron Lyseng, exploring firsthand insights from a 14-day drive through rural America.

I saw a lot of new yards on my tour, with huge grain bins, large fleets of newer equipment and nice, new big sheds to store it in. Those are the big farms ready to get bigger.

I also saw many sma…

Through the Windshield: Part 1

Industry West — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:50:13 GMT

This is the first installment of a three-part opinion series by Ben Voss and Ron Lyseng, exploring firsthand insights from a 14-day drive through rural America.

I spent two weeks this fall driving the backroads between Regina, Sask. and Nashville, Tenn. I went poking around into the American farm scene along my path. I always prefer driving to flying to …

New shipping platform aims to boost Alberta businesses' global reach

Industry West — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 03:54:00 GMT

A new shipping solution, ShipAlberta, has launched with the goal of improving logistics for businesses across the province. The platform, a partnership between Edmonton International Airport (YEG), Edmonton Global, Port Alberta, and Machool Technologies, is designed to help Alberta businesses access more efficient and cost-effective shipping options.

The most important infrastructure that you’ve never heard of

George Barnhart — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:48:00 GMT

There are highly successful companies and organizations in Canada (and globally for that matter) that you have probably never heard of and would instantly wonder how you could live without them once you knew of them and what they did. CANARIE and the National Research and Education Network (NREN) are perfect examples of this. While collectively they provide the technology infrastructure in Canada for the research, education, and innovation sectors, Canada wouldn’t be where it is on the global stage without them. Think what life would be like without advances in healthcare, in innovation, in science, and more that you have come to rely on in everyday life.

Saskatchewan geothermal project moves forward with industry collaboration

Industry West — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 23:19:00 GMT

Saskatoon-based DEEP Earth Energy Production Corp. (DEEP) has partnered with global energy technology company SLB to advance Canada’s first next-generation geothermal project in southeast Saskatchewan.

Foran Mining secures $41 Million in government funding for McIlvenna Bay project

Industry West — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 23:29:00 GMT

Foran Mining Corporation has secured up to $41 million in funding from the Canadian government’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to support the development of its McIlvenna Bay Project in Saskatchewan.

Saulteau First Nations and EDF Renewables advance $600M Taylor Wind Project in B.C.

Industry West — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 22:40:00 GMT

The Saulteau First Nations and EDF Renewables North America have signed an electricity-purchase agreement with BC Hydro to advance the Taylor Wind project, a major renewable energy initiative set to generate clean power for approximately 60,000 homes.

Saskatoon's Three Farmers secures new investment to drive North American expansion

Industry West — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 19:31:00 GMT

Three Farmers Foods Inc., a leading producer of roasted pulse-based snacks, has closed its latest equity financing round, welcoming Farm Credit Canada (FCC) as a new strategic partner. The funding round also saw continued investment from a network of existing supporters, including District Ventures Capital, Export Development Canada (EDC), Golden Opportunities Fund Inc., and PIC Investment Group Inc.

Northway Aviation expands air services in Manitoba with SkyNorth Acquisition

Industry West — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:47:00 GMT

Northway Aviation LP, a regional aviation company with six decades of experience serving remote communities in Manitoba and Ontario, has expanded its services with the acquisition of SkyNorth Air Ltd., an air ambulance provider.

B.C. invests in forest sector innovation and job creation

Industry West — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 23:53:00 GMT

The Government of British Columbia is committing up to $5.1 million to support 12 forest-sector projects, aimed at creating and protecting jobs, fostering innovation, and expanding the use of diverse fibre sources to manufacture high-value wood products.

PFM Capital and Roynat Equity Partners Sell All-Fab Group to RONA Inc.

Industry West — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 23:38:00 GMT

Regina’s PFM Capital Inc. (PFM) and Roynat Equity Partners (Roynat) have announced the successful sale of All-Fab Group (All-Fab) to RONA Inc. (RONA). The sale follows a period of significant growth for All-Fab, achieved in collaboration with PFM, Roynat and the company’s management team.

Westcap invests in Saskatoon-Based Inland Steel Products

Industry West — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:25:00 GMT

Westcap Mgt. Ltd. (Westcap) has completed an investment in Inland Steel Products Inc., a Saskatoon-based metal recycling company. The deal was made through a syndication involving Westcap’s managed funds, including the Westcap MBO III Investment LP, a private equity fund focused on Western Canada, and Golden Opportunities Fund Inc., a Saskatchewan-based retail venture capital fund.