CED provides $1,175,000 in financial assistance to Quebec business with workshop in Saguenay.
SAGUENAY, QC, Aug. 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
Supporting business growth contributes to economic development in Quebec's regions. Carlos Leitão, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED, today announced a repayable contribution of $1,175,000 for Moteurs Électriques Laval (MEL). This CED funding will enable the SME to pursue its growth.
MEL has been operating in the field of electric motors and variable frequency drives since 1930. At that time, the business specialized in repairing electric motors only. Today, it has become a leader in Quebec in the distribution and repair of electric motors and in the distribution and integration of variable frequency drives. The business has four motor repair workshops: in Saguenay, Magog, Trois-Rivières and Montréal. Thanks to CED's support, it will be able to take a decisive step forward in its growth: the large-scale manufacture and repair of high-tension motor coils and generators. CED's contribution will focus on the cost of acquiring and installing production equipment.
The Government of Canada recognizes and supports businesses and organizations that are a source of pride in their communities. Quebec's economic growth relies on organizations with strong roots in the regional economy; they are key assets in building a sustainable, inclusive economy.
Quotes
"Innovative SMEs play a key role in Quebec's economic vitality and competitiveness. By supporting their growth and modernization projects, our government is giving them the means to seize new business opportunities, increase their productivity and strengthen their presence on markets at home and abroad. By leveraging the innovation and expertise of our businesses, we are building a stronger, more resilient economy that is focused on the future."
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED
"For nearly a century, MEL has demonstrated its ability to evolve, innovate and meet the needs of a constantly changing economy. Thanks to CED's support, it will be able to take an important step forward in its development by strengthening its expertise in a forward-looking sector related to the energy transition. By funding this project in Saguenay, our government is contributing to the expansion of a homegrown business, thereby generating lasting economic spin-offs and fostering the development of strategic know-how that will benefit Quebec as a whole."
Carlos Leitão, Member of Parliament for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED
"Currently, although MEL already has the technical expertise to complete high-tension coiling work, the criteria for specialized facilities required by some clients means that most of these projects are sent to workshops in the U.S. given the lack of equivalent specialized infrastructure in Quebec and Canada. The new workshop will make it possible to repatriate this know-how, to compete with large U.S. workshops and to secure a strategic portion of Canada's electric supply chain. It will thus be possible for the Quebec and Canadian industries to benefit from a local option for the manufacture of high‑tension coils, as well as for repair and high-tension recoiling services for the hydroelectric and industrial sectors."
Jean-Philippe Saucier, Co-president, MEL
Quick facts
- Funding has been granted under CED's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. This program targets entrepreneurs leveraging innovation to grow their businesses and enhance their competitiveness, as well as regional economic stakeholders helping to create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and growth for all, across all regions.
- In Quebec, SMEs account for 99.7% of the province's businesses and 50% of its GDP.
- CED is a key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. With its 12 business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy.
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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]; Gabrielle Landry, Deputy Director, Media Relations, Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]
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