Montréal, Quebec, March 27, 2007 The Minister of
Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, the
Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, today announced a $145,500
non-repayable contribution to the Association of health technologies industry
(Association de l'industrie des technologies de la santé or AITS) to
conduct workshops and seminars, develop business links and organize trade
activities abroad.
Canada's new government's support will enable AITS to back value-added
activities for enterprises. AITS will be conducting eight workshops and seminars
on regulations, development of foreign markets, procurement processes in Quebec,
and financing of small and medium-sized health technology enterprises (SMEs).
It will also be organizing two trade activities abroad.
"Development of Quebec's industrial health technology sector is a
priority for Canada Economic Development," stated Minister Blackburn. "This
industry is as large as biotechnology, and features a significant presence in
the regions. The seminars given by experts will enable SMEs to acquire useful
knowledge that can be rapidly transferred to their business processes. Moreover,
the trade mission planned for the United States represents promising
business opportunities."
AITS fosters the creation and development of businesses in the health
technology sector. It participates actively in promoting its members on domestic
and international markets and defends their interests.
"Quebec's health technology industry is undergoing strong growth, owing in
particular to the aging of the population," stated Daniel Laplante,
director general of AITS. "It brings together the manufacture, development and
distribution of medical equipment, as well as medical informatics. AITS is
pleased to receive financial support from
Canada Economic Development."
Quebec's health technology industry comprises 600 enterprises, mostly
SMEs, and provides 15,000 jobs, more than 30% of them outside the Montreal
area. Canada Economic Development's contribution will help increase
the development capability of Quebec's health technology industry.
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Sources:
Jean DécaryCommunications Canada Economic DevelopmentTel.:
514-283-8818E-mail: jean.decary@dec-ced.gc.ca
Roxane MarchandPress Secretary Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre
BlackburnCanada Economic DevelopmentTel.:
819-953-5646Cell.: 613-816-5094E-mail: roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Marie-Claude SavardCommunications and Events ManagerAssociation
of Health Technologies Industry (AITS)Tel.: 514-383-3268, ext. 6E-mail:
mcsavard@aits.cawww.aits.ca
