News Release

For immediate release
Friday, June 14, 2002

FRANCOPHONE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ENHANCED BY 
KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY OPPORTUNITY CENTRE IN PETIT DE GRAT

PETIT DE GRAT, N.S. -- An official opening will be held on Monday, June 17th, 2002 at 11:30 for the IntelliCentre@Richmond in Petit de Grat, Nova Scotia which will enhance Francophone business development by assisting entrepreneurs with the start up of Information Technology based businesses. The centre, located in La Picasse, offers an incubation and service centre for new IT based businesses. The concept for an IntelliCentre was established by Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDENE) within the “Knowledge-Based Economy Opportunity Centre” project which was funded by a $450,000 contribution from Human Resources Development Canada.

More than just an incubation centre for new information technology businesses, IntelliCentre@Richmond will also serve as a centre for traditional businesses looking to integrate new technologies into their current operations. The concept is innovative and creates opportunities for companies with similar mandates to develop strong networks. These businesses can collaborate with organizations specializing in Web design and cybermarketing which will help ensure that clients can take full advantage of all services offered by the centre. 

The total estimated cost of the project for IntelliCentre@Richmond is $627,062 with Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) contributing $272,826 and $126,941 from Human Resources Development Canada. Le Collège de l’Acadie and Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse have contributed respectively $137,044 and $90,251 in cash and services. 

"This Centre offers an excellent opportunity for Francophone owned technology enterprises based in Richmond County to grow through the introduction of new information technology applications. The Government of Canada is pleased to help this new economy project service Francophone entrepreneurs," said Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Bras d'Or - Cape Breton, speaking on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation. 

Le Collège de l’Acadie, an invaluable partner in the project since its conception, continues to offer technical support, equipment and expertise in the field of information technology. “Le Collège de l’Acadie is devoted to the development of a qualified and competent labour force in our acadian and francophone regions of Nova Scotia. This project, complimentary to the Collège’s initiatives, is vital to the diversification and development of our rural regions,” said Allister Surette, President and Chief Executive Officer of Le Collège de l’Acadie.

Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse was established in February 1999. Financed by Human Resources Development Canada through the National Committee for Canadian Francophonie Human Resources Development Support Fund, the CDENE’s objective is to promote economic development, employability and community capacity building in francophone and acadian communities across Nova Scotia through four strategic priorities including knowledge-based economy, rural development, tourism and integration of youth in economic development.

« Access to new technologies is essential for our young entrepreneurs and existing businesses in order to remain competitive with the major urban centres. IntelliCentre@Richmond is one important step towards economic diversification of our rural regions,” said Louis R. Comeau, Chairman of the CDENE.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA' s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Marcie Stanley 
Communications 
Entreprise Cape Breton Corporation
Tel: (902) 564-7876

Joseph D. Cottreau
Executive Director
Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse 
Tel: (902) 424-7230

Allister Surette
President/Executive Director
Collège de l’Acadie
(902) 769-3906