Standing by regions – Standing by SMEs
The Agency in action
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec mandate is to promote the long-term economic development of the regions of Quebec by giving special attention to those where slow economic growth is prevalent or opportunities for productive employment are inadequate. In carrying out its mandate, the Agency shall take such measures as will promote cooperation and complementarity with the Government of Quebec and communities in Quebec.
In the long term, the Agency’s vision for Quebec regions and communities is for them to increase their development capabilities, dynamism and prosperity in a significant, lasting manner for the benefit of their residents.
What the Agency is trying to accomplish
Dynamic, revitalized Quebec communities enjoying a better socio-economic outlook and maintaining and developing their economic bases
The quality of life of Canadians is improved by helping communities enhance their ability to make socio-economic adjustments, support the emergence of new entrepreneurs and the creation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), draw tourists, and attract and retain qualified workers.
Competitive Quebec SMEs and regions owing to the presence of conditions conducive to sustainable growth
Canadians’ standard of living is improved through the development of strategic capabilities, networks, innovation and knowledge as well as the inflow of investment.
Agency policies, programs and initiatives taking national priorities and the realities of the regions of Quebec into account
The Agency’s policy development, representation and cooperation efforts will enable Quebec regions and communities to benefit from the Government of Canada’s policies, programs and initiatives and will provide an opportunity to increase the consistency and added value of federal regional development activities.
How the Agency addresses development issues
By using a four-pronged integrated regional development approach
Global: take economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions into account in the design of policies, programs and initiatives.
Territorial: establish strategies geared to the type of area defined in terms of similar socioeconomic
issues.
Horizontal: build on cooperation and collaboration with federal partners, the Government of Quebec and Quebec communities.
Participatory: elicit participation by the economic agents concerned.
What the Agency does
It encourages and supports development through
- activities that provide information about Agency programs and services and that promote them
- guidance, development and advisory activities
- financial assistance activities
- production support and knowledge enhancement activities.
Whom the Agency works with
- enterprises (especially SMEs)
- non-profit organizations
- communities.
Backed by its fourteen business offices and by a network of development partners and organizations deployed throughout Quebec, including:
- local development organizations supporting communities
- regional or sectoral organizations offering general and specialized services to business, in articular in exportation and innovation
- knowledge institutions (research centres, college technology transfer centres and universities).
