First series of projects under the MRC d'Asbestos Regional Strategic Initiative (RSI) Danville, Quebec, October 1, 2004 -- During a visit to the region today, the Honourable Jacques Saada, Minister of Canada Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Francophonie, announced the awarding of contributions totalling $479,594 to six structuring projects in the MRC d'Asbestos regional county municipality. These contributions are part of a first series of projects eligible for the new MRC d'Asbestos Regional Strategic Initiative (RSI) announced on April 16, 2004 by the Honourable Lucienne Robillard. With an envelope of $3.3 million, this new RSI will enable the Government of Canada to maximize its contribution to the growth of MRC d'Asbestos over the next two years. 'The Government of Canada views productivity enhancement, the development of new products and access to new markets as priorities for increasing community prosperity,' stated Mr. Saada. 'The contributions announced today are tangible proof of our commitment to support the revitalization of MRC d'Asbestos,' the Minister added. Four of the six projects will be co-ordinated by Community Futures Development Corporation, Société d'aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) de la région d'Asbestos, which is to receive a total non-repayable contribution of $346,830. These projects involve the hiring of a resource person whose mandate will be to support businesses experiencing difficulties and to elicit the emergence of potential projects and micro-enterprises. The SADC will also add to its team a subcontracting developer to promote the know-how of MRC-based manufacturing firms to major contract givers within a 100-kilometre radius, as well as mentoring services for enterprises seeking to move into new niches that hold promise for the future. The SADC will receive additional funding to stimulate rural entrepreneurship. For its part, Coopérative La RelPve will receive a non-repayable contribution of $95,964 to stem the exodus of young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Canada Economic Development's mandate is to promote the economic development of the regions of Quebec. Primarily through financial assistance programs, the Agency elicits and supports the implementation of economic development projects. The two priorities the Agency has set itself are to foster innovation and the knowledge economy in each region of Quebec, and to help communities that are having difficulty adjusting to the new economy. In this way, the Agency contributes to the attainment of the Government of Canada's objective of building the 21st Century economy. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget. - 30 - A backgrounder is attached. Sources: Lyne MontpellierCommunicationsCanada Economic Development1-800- 567-8637Jean-François Del TorchioPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Jacques Saada(514) 496-1282
