Montréal / Paris, October 12, 2010 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today was very proud to underscore the work of three Quebec small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have received European certification allowing them to sell their products in France.
The ceremony took place in conjunction with a visit to the Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB) in Marne-la-Vallée, France. The event is part of Minister Lebel’s 10-day European tour to France and Italy.
The Quebec Wood Export Bureau (Q-Web) has received, from the CSTB, European Technical Approval attesting that the products of three Quebec firms comply with France’s building codes and standards.
“The licensing of Demtec, La Charpenterie and Modulex products is excellent news which will allow these Quebec SME manufacturers of prefabricated frame homes to benefit from business opportunities in France.” said Minister Lebel. These firms are based in Princeville, Saguenay and Québec, respectively.
Q-Web, an organization which receives financial support from Canada Economic Development and Natural Resources Canada, showcases value-added wood products from Quebec in export markets. It represents more than 200 Quebec-based manufacturers from various wood sectors.
The CSTB is an independent organization that promotes innovation in building. It is an industrial and commercial public establishment whose operations, such as certification, contribute to sustainable development objectives for construction products and buildings as well as their integration into neighbourhoods and cities.
Following this announcement, Minister Lebel headed for Paris where he met with business people of the Mouvement des entreprises de France (MEDEF). He took this occasion to reiterate to his hosts the importance of the French market to Quebec SMEs.
Building on the Government of Canada’s support for the forest sector and communities that have been affected by the downturn in the economy, the Minister is touring overseas in order to, among other things, explore development opportunities for Quebec businesses in the French and Italian wood markets.
- 30 -
Source - Media in Canada:
Simon Bachand
Special Assistant
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
E-mail: simon.bachand@dec-ced.gc.ca
Tel.: 514-496-7664
Source - Media in France:
Normand Smith
Spokesperson
Embassy of Canada in Paris
E-mail: normand.smith@international.gc.ca
Tel.: 144 43 2255
Cell: 06 07 25 61 47
