May 6, 2014
Manitoba Government Welcomes New MTS Data Centre
– – –Private Investment will Bolster Province's Burgeoning Information Technology Sector, Create Good Jobs
The Manitoba economy will see at least $50 million invested in a new data centre in Winnipeg, Jobs and the Economy Minister Theresa Oswald announced today as she joined Pierre Blouin, CEO for MTS Allstream, and David Reid, EPIC Information Solutions president and CEO, at a ceremony announcing the new centre.
“Manitoba is attracting private investment that’s driving our steady economic growth despite continued global uncertainty,” said Minister Oswald. “This facility will create good jobs for young Manitobans to build their futures right here at home. These are the jobs of tomorrow that we hear so much about and they are now being created here in Manitoba.”
The new centre will add up to 30 technology jobs to the local MTS workforce and builds on recent investments in Manitoba’s growing information technology sector, the minister added.
The MTS Data Centre is eligible for the provincial government’s recently introduced Data Processing Tax Credit, announced in Budget 2013. Modelled on the successful Manufacturing Tax Credit, it helps offset the cost of purchasing data-processing equipment and related capital investment. The credit is worth eight per cent on data-processing equipment and 4.5 per cent on supporting buildings.
The minister noted Manitoba is well-positioned to take advantage of data centre investments thanks to a skilled workforce, low-cost and renewable hydroelectricity, supportive tax credits and cool climate, which requires less artificial cooling of equipment than warmer climates.
“We continue to hear that Manitoba’s supply of low-cost, reliable and renewable hydroelectric power is a major incentive for energy-intensive projects like the MTS Data Centre,” said Minister Oswald. “Our government is committed to developing and maintaining that hydro advantage now and into the future.”
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