March16, 2020With the increasing spread of COVID-19 and a rapidlyevolving global response, Alberta Innovates, InnoTech Alberta and C-FERTechnologies are taking actions to ensure the health and safety of ouremployees and our community. We recognize the magnitude of this extraordinarycircumstance and are working quickly to support Alberta business during thiscritical time. Wecontinue to develop and implement preparedness plans to mitigate both short andlong term impacts to the Albertans we serve. Given the role that AlbertaInnovates plays in supporting the growth and vibrancy of the entrepreneurialcommunity and key business sectors such as health, energy, agriculture and the environment,we are working with stakeholders, clients and our employees to determine how tobest support the Alberta economy in the immediate term as well as the long-termrequirements to get the economy back on its feet after the end of this healthcrisis. We know that many of our stakeholders and clientsare directly impacted by this situation and we are working diligently to ensurethat key resources are available. Our workforce is equipped to work remotely - please be assured that we are virtually connected to oursystems and remain committed to ensuring that there is as little disruption aspossible to our role in issuing awards, providing funding and supporting thebusinesses that are key to a thriving economy. Manyof our team members working in seven locations throughout Alberta are requiredto be onsite within our facilities to ensure that our key business, researchand testing functions are supported. We have implemented workplace strategiesto ensure the ongoing health and safety of our employees in these critical,operational roles. If you have concerns for continuity of funding or othergranting agreements that are critical to your business or if any of yourexisting agreements may be affected by this disruption, our teams are availableto answer your questions. Pleasereach out by phone or email to your primary contact with Alberta Innovates, InnoTechAlberta and C-FER Technologies. Our focus remains on supporting you and theinnovation ecosystem through these turbulent times. Together, we have thefortitude and capacity to emerge from this unprecedented challenge stronger andbetter. Stay well, Laura Kilcrease,Chief Executive Officer