The Government of Canada as well as the Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) and Community Business Development Centres (CBDCs) serving the regional economy

MONT-LAURIER, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Aug. 29, 2016) - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Government of Canada is committed to investing in job creation in order to stimulate economic growth and increase prosperity for Canadians. It is aware that communities must diversify strategically by focusing on innovation in order to develop lasting regional competitive advantages. As such, support for communities' transition and diversification is a priority for the Government of Canada.

David Graham, MP for Laurentides-Labelle, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) and Minister responsible for CED, confirmed the signing of a three-year agreement with SADC d'Antoine-Labelle. Tied to the agreement is a financial commitment of $1,201,086 that this CFDC will use to support economic development in the community.

Today's announcement arises from the signing of three-year agreements totalling more than $86 million among the Government of Canada and the CFDCs, CBDCs, the CFDC/CBDC Network and Capital Réseau of Quebec. That financial assistance, announced July 19, 2016 by Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of ISED and Minister responsible for CED, will benefit 57 CFDCs, 10 CBDCs, the CFDC/CBDC Network and Capital Réseau SADC et CAE.

The agreements provide the CFDCs and CBDCs with the flexibility and means they need for fulfilling their mission. By supporting the growth of SMEs and fostering the development of local economies, CFDCs and CBDCs help create well-paid jobs for the middle class and those who work hard to improve their standard of living.

In Quebec, roughly 10,000 businesses every year benefit from the services of these two agencies, which means an average annual investment of $70 million in Quebec communities. The CFDCs also get involved in over 1,250 economic development projects every year.

The funding comes from the Community Futures Program (CFP) that, in Quebec, is operated by CED.

Quotes

''We are proud of the excellent work done by Quebec's CFDCs and CBDCs, which contribute directly to the economic development of their communities. The renewal of these agreements is recognition from the Government of Canada of the important role they play."

David Graham, MP for Laurentides-Labelle

"I am very pleased with the renewal of the agreements between the Government of Canada and the CFDCs and the CBDCs. The financial stability provided by those agreements enables these agencies to focus on achieving priority objectives. And that results in diversified, competitive local economies that benefit the entire country."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Related links

For more information about the CFP: http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/programs/cfp/index.html Website of the CFDC/CBDC Network: http://www.sadc-cae.ca/

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