Rimouski, Quebec, November 12, 2010 – Acting on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, Bernard Généreux, Member of Parliament for Montmagny–L'Islet–Kamouraska–Rivière-du-Loup, today gave a first progress report on the financial assistance awarded to the Bas-Saint-Laurent region under the Temporary Initiative for the Strengthening of Quebec's Forest Economies (TISQFE). To date, $30 million has been invested in Quebec as a whole. In the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, $2,439,732 in federal funding has been granted to 11 projects under this initiative. These projects will generate investments of $9,372,852 and their proponents expect that 195 jobs will be created and maintained.
"This report clearly illustrates our government's determination to sustain our industries, create employment and stimulate the economic growth of our regions. I invite more Bas-Saint-Laurent companies and organizations to submit their projects to us," said Mr. Généreux.
The TISQFE, which came into force this past June, is aimed at helping communities affected by the forestry crisis diversify their economies in order to secure their growth and create and maintain employment. "Its goal is also to support small and medium-sized businesses in these communities in their efforts to ensure their survival and sustainable development," Mr. Généreux concluded.
The $30 million will serve to carry out 79 projects across Quebec. These projects will generate investments of close to $115 million in the various regions affected by the forestry crisis and their proponents estimate that 1,645 jobs will be created and maintained.
The TISQFE is one of a series of measures our government has introduced in recent months to mitigate the effects of the forestry crisis. Others include the $1 billion granted to the Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program to help enterprises carry out environmentally-friendly projects within their facilities and the $230 million invested, in collaboration with the Government of Quebec, for silvicultural work and the restoration of bridges and culverts on forest roads. Workers are also benefiting from their fair share of support, with the Government of Canada introducing some of the most generous measures in history to help them through the economic crisis.
For further information, consult the backgrounder associated with this news release:
Report on projects funded through the Temporary Initiative for the Strengthening of Quebec's Forest Economies Bas-Saint-Laurent
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Source:
Benoît Fortin
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-997-3319
E-mail: benoit.fortin@dec-ced.gc.ca
For information:
Claudie Lamontagne
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-722-3280
E-mail: claudie.lamontagne@dec-ced.gc.ca
