Canada Economic Development targets vulnerable communities and regions – The Government of Canada unveils a new economic diversification initiative

Alma, Quebec, September 25, 2006 — The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, today announced the implementation of a new measure intended to provide support for the economies of Quebec regions and communities experiencing slow economic growth: the Community Economic Diversification Initiative – Vitality (CEDI-Vitality). This new measure will help to the dynamism of these regions by supporting the diversification of their economic fabric.

The four-year $85 million CEDI-Vitality will be offered to entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organizations in seven regions: Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Côte-Nord, Gaspésie – Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Mauricie, Nord-du-Québec, and Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean. It will also be available in 21 additional regional county municipalities (RCMs).

“There are substantial economic disparities between the regions of Quebec. Combined to this is the slowdown or elimination of certain traditional economic activities in the manufacturing and natural resources sectors. Moreover, some regions are dependent on a single activity, while others are facing significant demographic decline,” explained Minister Blackburn. 

“These communities need immediate support for the diversification of their economic fabric. We must offer Quebec SMEs tools and resources that will enable them to strengthen and renew their industrial activity and, hence, stimulate the revitalization of their economies. This new measure covers a territory that includes 21% of the Quebec population,” he added.

This initiative targets in particular projects of local reach generating sustainable economic spin-offs in terms of enterprise and employment development. It promotes the realization of economic diversification activities or support for SMEs seeking to benefit from consultants’ studies or to undertake projects involving the development of strategies and action plans.

It also aims to support entrepreneurs in their business projects such as the design, development, adjustment and demonstration of a product, a process or a new or improved service that constitutes a technological innovation in a particular sector. The CEDI-Vitality will contribute to creating sustainable employment and stopping the population exodus.

The new measure announced today is part of the regular programming of Canada Economic Development, whose mission is to promote the long-term economic development of the regions of Quebec, paying special attention to those where slow economic growth is prevalent or where opportunities for productive employment are inadequate.

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A backgrounder is attached

Sources:

Suzanne Thébarge
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-283-8012 
E-mail: suzanne.thebarge@dec-ced.gc.ca

Roxane Marchand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-953-5646
Cell.: 613-816-5094
E-mail: roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca