Business community mobilizes to kick-start La Matanie economy

FIDEL to implement structural initiatives thanks to Government of Canada support

MATANE, QC, March 3, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Fonds d'innovation et de développement économique local de La Matanie (FIDEL) organization is fully engaged in its community. For five years now, founder François Rioux has been mobilizing businesspeople to diversify and stimulate the regional economy. With over 135 members, the young organization has already achieved concrete results since it was created, supporting start-ups and accelerating investment and mobilization projects.

To pursue its mission and implement structural initiatives for La Matanie, FIDEL will receive a non‑repayable contribution of $255,000 from CED over the next three years.

The funding was announced today by the Minister of National Revenue, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages. The funds will enable FIDEL to foster the emergence of new projects, strengthen the development of existing businesses, support the start-up of new businesses, ensure the retention and return of youth to the region, and stimulate innovation and job creation.

Leveraging the region's assets

FIDEL wants to attract foreign businesses and investments to kick-start the La Matanie economy on a solid foundation and ensure the sustainability of businesses present in the area. Building on the dynamism and mobilization resulting from its initial interventions, the organization wants to enhance its actions to promote the region's assets, such as the industrial park or industrial port area, one of the largest in the Est-du-Québec region.

Strength in numbers

All of these efforts would be in vain without the support of various economic development players demonstrating the level of mobilization and readiness that exists in the community to actively participate in kick-starting the Regional County Municipality's (RCM) economy. The activities led by FIDEL are also backed by a diversification strategy developed by the City of Matane in partnership with the Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation, the Community Futures Development Corporation and the RCM, and in collaboration with and with the financial support of CED.

For CED, this project is perfectly aligned with its mission to provide support to regions with greater diversification needs. Boosting FIDEL's mobilization efforts favours the growth and evolution of an innovative ecosystem by enhancing the RCM of La Matanie's entrepreneurial dynamism.

Quotes

"The Fonds d'innovation et de développement économique local de La Matanie is demonstrating to what extent the community can mobilize and take its own destiny in hand. I am proud that the Government of Canada is supporting a project such as this one by FIDEL, which is playing an active role within La Matanie to enable the region to kick-start its economy on solid foundations."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue

"By supporting FIDEL, the Government of Canada is reaffirming its commitment to boost the economic diversification of Quebec's regions. I am delighted to see that this organization will be able to continue to take root, develop and contribute to the economic health of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED

"Renewing this financial contribution from the Government of Canada for FIDEL for the next three years represents invaluable support as we work to fulfill our mission: to create jobs and wealth for our region."

Jean Langelier, FIDEL de la Matanie

Quick facts

• The Honourable Mélanie Joly is the minister responsible for the six regional development agencies (RDAs), including CED.
• Funds have been granted under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. This program aims to help communities seize economic development and diversification opportunities that are promising for the future.
• CED is a key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED is accompanying Quebec businesses, supporting organizations and regions into tomorrow's economy.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

For further information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]; Alexander Cohen, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, [email protected]