Visual of the DEC branding, a pattern created by circles organized in five columns on a turquoise background. Some circles are tone-on-tone, and others are white. This identity symbolizes networking, growth, creativity, simplicity and dynamism.

About Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Close to businesses, close to the regions

Raison d'être, mandate and role

Raison d’être

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)’s mission 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.


Mandate and role

CED is the key economic development player for Quebec’s regions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In order to accomplish its core responsibility, which is economic development in Quebec, CED fosters business start-ups and growth. It helps them become more innovative, productive and competitive. It supports efforts to engage the regions of Quebec and attract investments that will help boost the economic well-being of Quebec and Canada.

CED contributes to the economic vitality of all of Quebec’s regions by leveraging their competitive regional advantages, such as wind power and marine technologies. It also supports the transition and diversification of communities that remain dependent on a limited number of sectors or that have been affected by an economic shock, such as the closure of the chrysotile mines.

CED achieves its results by supporting businesses, primarily SMEs, and non-profit organizations (NPOs), through strategic investments. Through its 12 business offices across Quebec’s regions and the relationships it has developed with other economic development players, CED stays abreast of the needs of the regions and businesses and is able to offer financial support to carry out projects that support businesses and communities in their economic development efforts.
 
Environmental affairs

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) applies the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 to the projects it supports to ensure that they generate no significant environmental impact.
  • Active public consultations – none currently in progress


Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals

Under the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, policy, plan and program proposals of departments and agencies must consider, when appropriate, potential environmental effects.
In accordance with this Directive, CED conducted a strategic environmental assessment of the Quebec Economic Development Program.


The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy is the government’s plan and vision for a more sustainable Canada. It outlines goals and actions to promote clean growth, ensure healthy ecosystems and build safe, secure and sustainable communities


CED’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Consistent with its mandate and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, CED undertakes to finance projects that would help optimize resource use, value residual resources or contribute to eco-efficiency. CED also pledges to shrink the environmental footprint of its operations through green procurement measures, workplace and operational actions and client service measures.
Organizational chart

Deputy Minister / President and Vice-Presidents

  • Deputy Minister / President
    Sony Perron
    • Operations Vice-President
      Marie-Claude Petit
    • Policy and Communications Vice-President
      Jean-Frédéric Lafaille
    • Corporate Services Vice-President
      Maxime Garon
An organizational chart outlining CED’s organizational structure. At the top of the chart is the position of Minister, followed by Deputy Minister/President. In addition to her office’s Executive Services, three vice presidents come under the supervision of the Deputy Minister/President: Corporate Services, Policy and Communications, and Operations. Each of these four administrative units has a chief of staff. Under Corporate Services, there are five directorates: Exams; Departmental Finances; People, Culture and Workplace; Incubator; and Information and Technological Solutions. Under Policy and Communications, there are three directorates: Communications, Governmental Affairs, and Policy, Economic Intelligence and Results. Within the Operations Sector, there are several directorates: Customer Experience and Business Intelligence, Strategic Partnerships, Inter-regional Initiatives and Regional Operations. The business offices of Abitibi-Témiscamingue–Nord-du-Québec, Bas-St-Laurent, Centre-du-Québec, Côte-Nord, Cantons-de-l’Est, Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Mauricie, Outaouais and Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean fall under Regional Operations, while the business offices of Grand Montréal and Québec–Chaudière-Appalaches fall jointly under Strategic Partnerships and Inter-regional Initiatives. Through the Quebec Federal Council (QFC), CED collaborates with other federal departments with a presence in Quebec and also relies on the services of Justice Canada (for its Legal Services).
Our services

Consulting services

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) provides to businesses, non-profit organizations and communities easy-to-access services based on quality service standards.

CED's advisors provide consulting services on:
  • CED's funding programs and ad-hoc initiatives;
  • partners who may be also able to provide financial assistance;
  • prospective partnership opportunities;
  • the promotion of the capabilities of Quebec businesses to large companies that are interested in bidding on or have been awarded a contract for a major Crown project (Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy).
 

Guidance Services

Whether for facilitating the execution of a project or planning a financial package and determining potential sources of funding, CED’s advisor is there to help his or her client in its actions.

CED also contributes to the regions’ vitality by assisting communities that are facing transition and adjustment challenges or industries undergoing restructuring.

As needed, CED supports the mobilization, recovery or development of a given sector or a target area.
 

Information Services

In addition to supporting promising SME projects that generate long-term economic spin-offs, CED also plays a facilitating role by offering information services specifically tailored to small businesses and future entrepreneurs.

Through CED's Business Information Services, small businesses and future entrepreneurs have easy access to information on various programs and resources available, as well as market information.
 

Contact an advisor

For the business office that serves your region, and its contact info, please refer to Regional information.

Contact us

Stay tuned for advice and services from CED

Learn more about CED