Quebec and Ottawa award $1.3 million to promote the growth of Quebec’s electronic systems industry

News release

Support for strategic sectors and niches of excellence

Bromont, May 3, 2019 – The governments of Quebec and Canada have awarded a total of $1,335,000 in financial assistance to the Pôle d'excellence de l'industrie des systèmes électroniques du Québec (ISEQ) to support the implementation of its 2018–2021 action plan. This strategic plan, the objective of which is to support and mobilize Quebec companies and players evolving in this industry’s ecosystem, is based on specific orientations relating to issues in the sector: the vitality of the sector, and market development; funding and investment; innovation and R&D; and skilled labour.

The announcement was made today by Isabelle Charest, Minister for Education, Minister responsible for the Status of Women and Member of the National Assembly for Brome-Missisquoi, acting on behalf of Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy and Innovation; and the Honourable Denis Paradis, Member of Parliament for Brome‑Missisquoi, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).

To support this initiative, valued at $2,377,707, the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation (MEI) has awarded $750,000 through the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS); and the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation (MAMH) has allocated $135,000 under the Fonds d’appui au rayonnement des régions (FARR). CED has provided a $450,000 non-repayable contribution under the Quebec Economic Development Program.

The Pôle d'excellence de l'industrie des systèmes électroniques du Québec brings together businesses, associations and partners, as well as collaborators and educational institutions, whose activities are related to the development and marketing of computer and electronic processes and products. Electronic components and systems are found in a wide range of products and are also key to many innovations that are helping transform and improve a number of areas of activity, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and innovative manufacturing. They provide various opportunities for all businesses in the industry, notably as concerns exporting in the avionics, transportation, health, communications, and home automation sectors.

Quotes

“The Pôle d’excellence de l’industrie des systèmes électroniques du Québec helps bring together business people and entrepreneurs who share a common vision and have developed a long-term strategy to leverage their vision. This hub of excellence is well established in various regions, including the Montérégie region; these regions are recognized as pockets of excellence for the manufacturing of electronic systems, as well as for the quality of their workforce, and their excellence in industrial and academic research. For over 10 years, the electronic systems industry has been actively engaged in ensuring its development, thus contributing to the development of Quebec as a whole.”

Isabelle Charest, Minister for Education, Minister responsible for the Status of Women and MNA for Brome-Missisquoi

“The electronic systems industry is essential because it plays a vital role in all key sectors of economic activity in Quebec. Central to research and innovation; it brings together a wide range of advanced technologies and has a comprehensive ecosystem of manufacturers, research centres, engineering firms and high-performing integrators. Quebec is recognized around the world for its expertise and its ability to innovate and transform itself. Clearly, it is through innovation, and in particular through the creation of centres of excellence, that Quebec will be able to further shine in this new economy of the 21st century.”

Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region

“It is with great enthusiasm that we support the Pôle d’excellence de l’industrie des systèmes électroniques du Québec which, through its power to mobilize and its expertise, is acting as a catalyst among the players in this booming sector for the realization of innovation, productivity and marketing projects that will unquestionably contribute to Quebec’s economic development.”

The Honourable Denis Paradis, MP for Brome‑Missisquoi

“In keeping with our commitment to foster the growth of the Canadian economy, the Government of Canada has made it its goal to support businesses that aim to grow through innovation and the development of new products and markets. Today’s funding clearly contributes to the achievement of this objective.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED

“The funding announced under the FARR will allow for the creation of a regional office that will provide services and activities for electronic system companies in the Mauricie region. With the help of this contribution, the region will be able to participate in the national hub of excellence. This will further showcase Mauricie-region companies and educational and research institutions throughout Quebec and Canada, and abroad.”

Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister responsible for the Saguenay−Lac-Saint-Jean region

“With the support of a permanent team spread out over four regional satellite offices, ISEQ is working to ensure the recognition of the innovative nature of the 750 companies in our industry, and the high quality of their work. It will not only become the gateway to this dynamic and cross‑functional industry, but will also help make Quebec known as a world-class centre of excellence in electronic systems.”

Earl Laurie, Director General, ISEQ

Quick facts

  • Established in April 2018 and based in Bromont, the Pôle d’excellence de l’industrie des systèmes électroniques du Québec (ISEQ), which stems from the ACCORD program (Action concertée de coopération régionale de développement), is tasked with promoting and developing the electronic systems industry in the various regions of Quebec. Its objective: to be recognized as a hub of expertise, resourcefulness, creativity and flexibility as concerns research, development and the manufacturing of solutions for the industry.

  • The goal of the PADS is to mobilize companies and MEI economic partners, and coordinate their actions around common objectives and intervention methods to foster the development of strategic sectors and the implementation of departmental directions.

  • The ACCORD program is a priority for government action that aims to boost the economy of Quebec’s regions. It builds on regional strengths, the mobilization and drive of business people in the regions, and the pursuit of excellence in Quebec’s key sectors.

  • The FARR was created to complement the Fonds du développement des territoires in order to allow municipal and regional elected officials to develop and support growth-generating projects that will help maximize community development.

  • CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program supports regional economic development and diversification and helps the regions take advantage of promising economic development opportunities going forward.

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

Contacts

Maryse Dubois
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Education,
Minister responsible for the Status of Women and MNA for Brome‑Missisquoi
Tel.: 450-931-0193

Mathieu St-Amand
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Economy
and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière Region 
Tel.: 418-691-5650

Bénédicte Trottier-Lavoie
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
and Minister responsible for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region
Tel.: 418-691-2050

Jean-Pierre D'Auteuil
Media Relations Officer
Communications Branch
Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation
Tel.: 418-691-5698 ext. 4868
Cell: 418-559-0710

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

Media Relations Team
Communications Directorate
Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation
Tel.: 418-691-2015, ext. 3746

Related links

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For more information about CED and its priorities, see the 2019–2020 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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