Enthusiasm for the SnowPeeler: an innovative tool for clearing snow from rooftops, manufactured by PolarMade, a young Quebec SME

From: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

News release

Investment project valued at over $1.5M

Québec City, August 17, 2018 – The governments of Canada and Quebec have confirmed that a total of $470,860 in financial assistance has been awarded to support the start-up of PolarMade and its expansion. These projects amount to total investments of more than $1.5M and have created 12 well-paying jobs in Quebec.

The Government of Canada has granted repayable contributions of $50,000 and $130,000 through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) under its Quebec Economic Development Program.

The Government of Quebec has awarded the company a total of $290,860 in financial assistance for a project involving the automation of its production line, the international commercialization of its products and the protection of intellectual property assets. The ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation is granting a $215,000 loan through the ESSOR program, a non-repayable contribution of $43,510 from the Programme Exportation (PEX) and $25,000 through the Premier brevet [first patent] program. The ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale has awarded $7,350 through a measure known as Concertation pour l’emploi, an HR management support service, and the Programme incitatif pour l’accueil de stagiaires, an incentive program for internships.

Joël Lightbound, Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, Sébastien Proulx, Member for Jean-Talon, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, acting on behalf of Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, and of François Blais, Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity, along with Rémy Normand, Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee and President of the Borough of Sainte-Foy–Sillery–Cap-Rouge, acting on behalf of Régis Labeaume, Mayor of Québec City, made the announcement today at a press conference.

In 2017, PolarMade received a first round of contributions from the various levels of government to commercialize the SnowPeeler: an innovative, affordable tool for safely clearing snow from the rooftops of houses, garages, sheds, carports, etc. three times faster than with traditional tools.

To make the most of the buzz created by its product on the Canadian and U.S. markets, the company has again received government assistance to improve its productivity and expand its marketing activities.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is building on the innovative capacity of businesses and their expansion plans to support economic growth in Canada. By assisting PolarMade, we are providing an impetus for the development of this SME, which has made resourcefulness the cornerstone of its business plan. I am delighted with CED's financial support as it will allow this young company, which has a clear vision, to go ahead with its projects.”

Joël Lightbound, Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

“In an economy as open as ours is, export growth and business innovation are crucial in bringing prosperity to Quebec and the Capitale‑Nationale region. By implementing this growth strategy, particularly in global markets, Les produits PolarMade is actively contributing to the region’s economic vitality. That is why our government is pleased to be associated with the success of this dynamic company.”

Sébastien Proulx, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and Minister responsible for the Capitale‑Nationale region

“With its Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada has introduced an ambitious approach to supporting innovative Canadian businesses that are coming up with new ways of creating value and expanding into new markets. This is a firm commitment to the creation of sustainable jobs and to community prosperity.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

“A portion of the financial assistance granted by our government to Les produits PolarMade will provide support for managing and training human resources. The Stratégie nationale sur la main-d’œuvre 2018–2023 includes many measures to that effect. Today we are showing that we are taking concrete action to support the growth projects of our enterprises, which are contributing to the collective wealth of Quebec.”

François Blais, Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity

“Innovation, exports and the transition to Industry 4.0 represent a significant growth opportunity for Quebec manufacturers. They provide the means to expand and to specialize or diversify production, achieve economies of scale and help our businesses make their mark in a highly competitive global market. Les produits PolarMade has a firm grasp on these issues, and we are proud to support its activities, which will ensure the company’s competitiveness in Quebec and in foreign markets.”

Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy

“In 2016, Québec City set out to become the most entrepreneurial city in the country. Since then, our programs, including the Appel à projets and the Fonds local d’investissement, are strengthening our entrepreneurial base, paving the way for entrepreneurs and promoting their success. Québec City is proud to help PolarMade, an innovative job-creating company, take flight.”

Rémy Normand, Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee and President of the Borough of Sainte-Foy–Sillery–Cap-Rouge

“Thanks to the support from all our government partners, we will be able to deliver our products more quickly to the U.S. market and continue to grow. In addition, this will create well-paying jobs that are directly attributable to our expansion and the trust placed in us by the governments of Canada and Quebec and Québec City for this project.”

Benoît Mercier, President, PolarMade

Quick facts

  • PolarMade is a North American manufacturer of innovative solutions that simplify strenuous snow-clearing tasks. The products are engineered to save time and effort while ensuring safety in use.

  • Designed and manufactured in Quebec, the SnowPeeler is made with commercial-grade materials and the finest workmanship to guarantee the highest level of quality and reliability.

  • CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

  • This year marks the 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.

  • The goal of the ESSOR program (website in French only) is to support investment projects in Quebec to enhance competitiveness and productivity, create jobs and ensure sustainable development.

  • The goal of the PEX program (website in French only) is to make Quebec businesses aware of the growth potential of exports and to support businesses in developing and diversifying their foreign markets.

  • The Premier brevet program (website in French only) supports Quebec SMEs in their first efforts at protecting their intellectual property for marketing purposes through patents or industrial designs.

  • The mesure de Concertation pour l’emploi (website in French only) provides support for the development and implementation of strategies to solve workforce-related problems. The Programme incitatif pour l’accueil de stagiaires (website in French only) provides businesses with the tools they need to train and supervise interns.

Contacts

Marie B. Deschamps
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region
Tel.: 418-644-0664

Anne Rochette
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity
Tel.: 418-643-4810

Guillaume Bérubé
Director, Communications
Office of the Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy
Tel.: 418-691-5650

Information

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Tel.: 514-283-7443
Email: dec.media.ced@canada.ca

Jean-Pierre D’Auteuil
Media Relations Officer
Communications Directorate
Ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation
Tel.: 418-691-5698, extension 4868
Cell: 418-559-0710

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