Government of Canada adopts new policy on non-profit organization funding to stimulate the Quebec economy

Québec (Quebec), March 18, 2009 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced his Agency’s new policy on the funding of economic non-profit organizations (NPOs).

In its efforts to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the regions weather the recession, Canada Economic Development has revised its policy respecting economic NPOs for the next two years. As such, these organizations whose projects meet the needs of Quebec SMEs and communities will now be able to submit an application for funding, including NPOs which have a transitional agreement with Canada Economic Development. Projects will be assessed on the basis of their individual merit; they will have to be in line with Government of Canada priorities and enjoy the support of the community. To ensure the sound management of public funds, the Government of Canada wants the projects selected to produce concrete results that will benefit Quebec’s enterprises and regions.

“I am convinced that this new policy will address the concerns and needs raised by economic NPOs. Through our government’s financial support, these organizations, in collaboration with Canada Economic Development, will be better able to contribute to the development of Quebec’s businesses and communities,” explained the Minister of State.

To that end, Pôle Québec Chaudière-Appalaches will be eligible to submit a new application for funding to Canada Economic Development before the transitional agreement it now has with the Agency expires on March 31, 2010. This new economic NPO funding policy will therefore allow the organization to apply for a contribution to fund the costs of its SME support activities.

“This past January and February, I had the opportunity to tour the regions of Quebec and meet with stakeholders actively involved in the economic life of their communities. The comments that emerged from those meetings were then used to guide us in making informed and enlightened decisions. Consequently, Canada Economic Development has relaxed certain of its measures, among them the one we are announcing today, in an effort to more effectively meet the needs of the regions and better prepare them for the challenges brought on by this period of economic turbulence. This initiative is consistent with our government’s Economic Action Plan, which sets out measures aimed at stimulating the national economy, mitigating the impact of the global recession on Canadians and ensuring the long-term growth of the regions of Quebec,” he concluded.

Minister of State Lebel undertook a tour again this week to announce the additional measures the Government of Canada has put in place to create the kind of national climate that will help Canadian businesses and families better weather the current economic storm.

-30-

Sources:

Guylaine Beaudoin
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-648-4679
Cell.: 418-580-8215
E-mail: guylaine.beaudoin@dec-ced.gc.ca

Éric Lefebvre
Senior Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Cell.: 613-608-7906
E-mail: eric.lefebvre@dec-ced.gc.ca