Montréal, Quebec, October 15, 2009 − The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, took the opportunity today while attending the 2009 “Journée donneurs d’ordres/fournisseurs” to announce that Sous-Traitance Industrielle Québec (STIQ) has been awarded $1,036,750 in non-repayable funding through the Business and Regional Growth program to pursue its mission and carry out various activities aimed at supporting the development of subcontract manufacturing in Quebec. Necessitating an overall investment of $2,775,150, this 27-month project will result in the maintenance of 11 jobs at STIQ and the creation and preservation of numerous other subcontracting jobs in the province.
In keeping with its mission, STIQ intends to continue working to match and build contact between subcontracting SMEs and contractors. Moreover, the organization plans to design and update various electronic tools and Web applications to better promote small and medium-sized subcontractors to contract givers and ensure them stronger market positioning. STIQ will also assist enterprises in focusing on innovation and productivity in order to satisfy the strict demands and requirements of contractors.
“STIQ supports Quebec SMEs in their efforts to develop strategies that will allow them to pursue their growth and improve their profitability. We all know that SMEs are a driving force of our economy. The Government of Canada is so keenly aware of this fact that we have extended the 50% straight-line accelerated capital cost allowance to encourage these enterprises to invest in manufacturing or processing machinery and equipment. Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and other measures, these businesses will benefit from more than $60 billion in total tax relief in 2008-2009 and for the next five fiscal years,” explained the Minister of State.
STIQ’s project is aimed at encouraging the adoption of new business practices among SMEs. The organization also intends to help these businesses in their efforts to develop new markets and forge partnerships with other enterprises and organizations so as to make the most of subcontracting opportunities.
For more on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, see www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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Sources:
Marie-Claude Lemire
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-283-2199
E-mail: marie-claude.lemire@dec-ced.gc.ca
Simon Bachand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 613-996-6236
E-mail: simon.bachand@dec-ced.gc.ca
