Pictured above Left to right: Dr. David Marshall, President of Mount Royal University , Greg Weadick, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology,  Wendelin Fraser, Dean of the Bissett School of Business at MRU, Bruce Mackenzie, Regional President Alberta and the Territories RBC and Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre.


On Friday March 11, 2011 Mount Royal University received its largest donation since becoming a University two years ago. The Royal Bank of Canada donate $1.1 million to develop the ‘Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre’ at the Bissett School of Business. Lee Richardson, MP was on hand for the announcement and had the following to say;


“Thank you Minister Greg Weadick, President Marshall, Dean Fraser, Bruce MacKenzie

Welcome, great to be here.

Just last month, Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally recognized the value of entrepreneurs to the economic prosperity and quality of life of all Canadians by declaring 2011 the Year of the Entrepreneur.

In his message, the Prime Minister described entrepreneurs as “the backbone of our economy, creating jobs and driving economic growth in communities large and small across our country. This has been a reality since Canada’s earliest days. We are a nation founded on the hard work, innovation and determination of millions of people throughout our history.

Entrepreneurs work countless hours to create businesses of all shapes and sizes and in all industries. They come from all backgrounds and all parts of the country, and live in communities urban and rural, large and small. And they share an unbridled passion for what they do and what can be achieved.

Entrepreneurs set an example for what is possible and from their drive and effort comes a richness of business enterprise that serves the diverse and evolving needs of Canadians individually and of the country as a whole.

Entrepreneurs create employment opportunities, invent new products and services and open new markets. They have built Canada’s most prestigious companies. They make important contributions to their communities, from supporting sports teams and charities, to building universities, to giving kids summer jobs and work experience.

They are Canada’s domestic engine of economic growth and are helping to define our position and create opportunities in the global economy.

But as all entrepreneurs know, there is more to success than hard work and long hours. Knowledge, skills and access opportunity are critical factors and are increasingly important.

The leadership offered by Mount Royal University’s Bissett School of Business is invaluable in providing the foundation of knowledge and skills upon which many people are now building their entrepreneurial dreams. The University’s contribution is growing and will be an even more important catalyst for generations of entrepreneurs in the future.

The Government of Canada is also maintaining its support for entrepreneurs by reducing taxes and red tape, improving access to business financing, making substantial investments in training, research and development, and opening up new markets. We are committed to creating new opportunities that will enable Canada’s entrepreneurs to succeed not only here at home, but also around the world.

As Canadians, we share a debt of gratitude to the entrepreneurs who have helped shape this country, and to catalysts like the Bissett School of Business for helping them succeed.

We also share in the dreams and success of entrepreneurs. Days like today affirm our collective faith in their indomitable spirit and our shared support for bringing that sprit to life – for Canadians and entrepreneurs alike.

I would like to thank the University, the Bissett School of Business  and the Royal Bank for their continued support of Canadian entrepreneurs and look forward to the announcement we are about to hear.”

To learn more read the Calgary Herald article by visiting:
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/city/story.html?id=08adc3c6-0251-4b32-8eb9-3fde45f6fe39