Belil, Quebec, March 30, 2007 The Minister of Labour and Minister
of Canada Economic Development, the Honourable
Jean-Pierre Blackburn, today announced a $41,700 non-repayable contribution
to the Centre d'aide aux entreprises de la Rive-Sud (CAE), in order to
ensure the continuation of the Cercles d'entraide de la Rive-Sud
project.
This funding will enable the Cercles d'entraide to continue their
activities, which are aimed exclusively at women, especially those whose
employment is precarious. In particular, they offer learning, support and
financing workshops, as well as guidance and assistance in the crucial
pre-startup phase.
"Ten years ago, CAE de la Rive-Sud blazed the trail in the Montérégie
by setting up its Cercles d'entraide program focussing on the
development of female entrepreneurship," stated Minister Blackburn. "Since the creation of
enterprises is a priority for Canada's new government, our backing is
intended to support a new generation of entrepreneurs, as well as economic
diversification."
"Over the past 10 years, we have become a benchmark as a result of the
expertise developed and results achieved, as may be seen from the creation of
more than 100 enterprises," said Michel Aubin, Director General of
CAE de la Rive-Sud. "We can state categorically that this program meets
the needs of future women entrepreneurs and spurs the startup of enterprises
managed by women, thus contributing to our region's economic dynamism."
The Cercles d'entraide de la Rive-Sud program covers four regional
county municipalities: Vallée-du-Richelieu, Lajemmerais, Les Maskoutains
and Longueuil.
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Sources:
Hélène St-PierreCommunicationsCanada Economic
DevelopmentTel.: 514-283-2583E-mail: helene.st-pierre@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
