Canada Economic Development invests $30 million
to support the regions
Sept-Îles, Quebec, September 27, 2006 - The
Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of
Canada Economic Development, today announced the implementation of a
pilot measure aimed at the construction and improvement of community economic
facilities. This new measure will contribute to the revitalization of the
economy and provide new economic diversification opportunities for regions and
communities experiencing slow economic growth.
The two-year $30 million pilot measure to build and enhance community
economic facilities will be offered to municipal corporations, entrepreneurs and
not-for-profit organizations in seven regions: Abitibi-Témiscamingue,
Bas-Saint-Laurent, Côte-Nord, Gaspésie - Îles-de-la-Madeleine,
Mauricie, Nord-du-Québec, and Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean. It will also
be available in 21 additional regional county municipalities (RCMs).
"A region's ability to attract investment and new business
is influenced by the presence of certain assets, including adequate community economic
facilities," explained Minister Blackburn. The measure announced will make such assets
available to regions that do not have them and covers
a territory where 21% of the Quebec population resides. "It reflects the
true style of Canada's new government, a government that keeps its
word and that looks for results, not squabbles."
The initiative announced by Mr. Blackburn targets projects which will
contribute directly to reinforcing regions' economic activities. Eligible
projects must generate direct and measurable economic benefits in the short or
medium term or improve access to key markets at home and abroad. In addition to
creating a significant number of sustainable jobs, they will have to enable a
region or community to acquire sustainable competitive advantages.
"The Sept-Îles port expansion phase is precisely the type of
project we want to support with this new measure. I've welcomed the project
recently submitted to my department by the Sept-Îles Port authority," added the
Minister.
The new measure announced today is part of the regular programming
of Canada Economic Development, whose mission is to promote the
long-term economic development of the regions of Quebec, paying special
attention to those where slow economic growth is prevalent or where
opportunities for productive employment are inadequate.
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A backgrounder is attached
Sources:
Claudie LamontagneCommunicationsCanada Economic
DevelopmentTel.: 418-722-3282 Cell.: 418-750-0995E-mail: claudie.lamontagne@dec-ced.gc.ca
Roxane MarchandPress SecretaryOffice of the
Honourable Jean-Pierre BlackburnCanada Economic
DevelopmentTel.: 819-953-5646Cell.: 613-816-5094E-mail: roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
