To foster economic diversity of Quebec regions Sherbrooke, Quebec, March 3, 2005 -- On a visit to Estrie today, the Honourable Jacques Saada, Minister of Canada Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Francophonie, outlined once again the main points of the Government of Canada's 2005 budget tabled this past February 23 by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance. As the guest speaker at a lunch meeting of the Sherbrooke Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Saada took the opportunity to confirm the $300-million increase in Canada Economic Development's budget over five years. Mr. Saada expressed his pleasure at this new funding, which will allow Canada Economic Development to intensify and enhance its intervention in the field, notably with a view to maintaining assistance for innovation and the knowledge economy, supporting vulnerable communities and thus contributing to local development. "To my mind, regional development is first and foremost a human activity," stated Mr. Saada. "The economy is not an end in itself, but rather an instrument for enhancing individual and collective well-being. Whether for promoting entrepreneurship among young people, ensuring market development, or backing a community or the growth of leading-edge sectors, Canada Economic Development, through its 14 business offices, lends its support in order to diversify the regional economies in such a way that all the regions' residents benefit." The 2005 budget presents a balanced strategy for building a 21st-century economy that will improve the well-being of all Canadians. "Our commitments to Canadians are clear and ambitious," the Minister added. "We will continue our work to develop a robust economy and secure our social foundations, while ensuring a sustainable environment in a sound fiscal framework." 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. - 30 - Sources: Lyne MontpellierCommunicationsCanada Economic DevelopmentTel.: 800 567-8637lyne.montpellier@dec-ced.gc.caDaniel DezaindePress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Jacques SaadaCanada Economic DevelopmentTel.: 514 496-1282
