Substantial financial support is awarded to a Salaberry-de-Valleyfield company and a business support organization

The Government of Canada awards over $1 million to Atelier d'usinage Quenneville and to the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC)

SALABERRY-DE-VALLEYFIELD, QC, Jan. 22, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Atelier d'usinage Quenneville is a leader in manufacturing metal parts for the railway industry and the machining of parts for heavy industry. The company received a repayable contribution of $193,617 under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program in order to ensure its expansion and increase its competitiveness.

The Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC) is a non-profit organization that supports the development of entrepreneurship, tourism and community capacity, particularly in official language minority communities in Quebec. A non-repayable contribution of $900,000 is awarded to CEDEC under the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative to support its "Small Business Support" project, dedicated to the economic development of official language minority communities (OLMCs).

Through CED's financial assistance, Atelier d'usinage Quenneville was able to purchase digital production equipment intended for manufacturing complex metal parts. Digitizing its production will accelerate the company's growth in the transportation equipment sector and the major infrastructure projects sector, create good quality jobs, and strengthen its competitiveness and the competitive advantage it has with major contractors.

The assistance for CEDEC will help the organization support, improve and grow companies through business advice, sales and networking opportunities training, and mentoring services. That support aims to help entrepreneurs make the right decisions and implement measures that will stimulate the growth of their companies. CEDEC has nine offices across Quebec.

Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, announced that funding today.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative Canadian businesses. As a true economic driver, innovation is the key to success because it generates growth that benefits companies and communities. This is why we are committed to ensuring that companies are able to rely on adequate resources for creating and marketing innovative products.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada wants to promote an entrepreneurial, creative and inclusive society. I am delighted with the financial assistance awarded to CEDEC for Quebec's anglophone entrepreneurial community, as well as the support for Atelier d'usinage Quenneville, which stands out because of its vitality, boldness and ability to innovate. This funding will help drive economic growth and create good quality jobs."

Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac Saint-Jean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion

"We are committed to investing in our economy, strengthening the middle class and helping those working hard to join it. That is why we support entrepreneurs, small business owners and organizations that are central to economic growth in Canada's communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"Atelier d'usinage Quenneville Inc. is proud to have been involved in the economic and social development of the Valleyfield region for over 115 years now. With partners such as CED and others, the company has been able to strengthen its place in key sectors of the Canadian economy. Over the last decade, CED has been involved in major investments in state-of-the-art technology on two occasions. We will always be proud to have CED's financial support for our future projects."

Renée Demers, President and owner, Atelier d'usinage Quenneville Inc.

"Enhancing economic activity in communities contributes to Canada's and Quebec's current and longer-term prosperity. The CED's continuing investment in CEDEC's Small Business Support (SBS) program helps entrepreneurs innovate, grow their businesses, and generate greater economic activity. This is especially important in terms of strengthening the vitality of English-speaking communities across Quebec. Through this investment, CEDEC will continue to provide customized support to help entrepreneurs succeed and continue to contribute to the wellbeing of their communities and regions."

John Buck, President and CEO, Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation

Quick facts

• Today's announcement is made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which comprises 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.
• To learn more about CED and its priorities, see the 2018-2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• The Action Plan for Official Languages – 2018-2023: Investing in our future, which is part of the Government of Canada's Economic Development Initiative, aims to promote the economic development of official language minority communities (OLMCs) through a range of activities including innovation, entrepreneurship, partnerships and economic diversification.
• For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local companies.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-7443, [email protected]