Montréal, Quebec, February 9, 2007 The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of
Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development,
and the Honourable Michael M Fortier,
Minister of
Public Works and Government Services Canada and Minister responsible of the Montréal Region, today announced at
a news conference that Ubisoft Entertainment Inc. will receive a
repayable contribution of $8 million. Thanks to this very significant support from
Canada's New Government, the company will be able to accelerate its development by, among
other things, setting up a digital creation studio for film in Montréal. This
project is part of Ubisoft's global growth plan in Quebec. To that end, Ubisoft
anticipates total investments of $454 million and the creation of
1,000 highly skilled jobs by 2013.
Initially, this creative studio will enable Ubisoft to produce
short films for the general public. The financial assistance from Canada's New Government
will mainly go toward specialized equipment and software.
"This important initiative put forward by one of the most dynamic companies
in its sector shows us the almost unlimited opportunities of the knowledge
economy. Through innovation, skills and creativity, this project is of strategic
importance because of the significant benefits it will generate. Our support for
Ubisoft, where the average age of employees is 30 years, is also influenced
by the opportunities afforded to our young graduates to showcase their talent in
a highly stimulating environment", noted Minister
Jean-Pierre Blackburn.
Present in 23 countries, the Ubisoft group is the second largest
in-house creative force in the video game industry worldwide. The establishment
of a digital creation studio for film will enable the Montréal-based company to
develop its expertise in a new niche, while being a first class addition to the
city's creative environment.
"Canada's New Government is committed to supporting Ubisoft's initiative,
which reinforces Montréal's international reputation as a major cultural and
interactive media production centre. It is a concrete response to a
forward-looking project meshing talent, new technologies and economic outlook,"
summarized Minister Fortier.
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Sources:
Nathalie Jutras CommunicationsCanada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-283-2800E-mail: nathalie.jutras@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
Frédéric BarilPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable
Michael M FortierMinister of Public Works & Government
ServicesTel.: 613-943-4593
