Targeted boost revitalizes Quebec’s most vulnerable regions
Tashi Farmilo
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), has announced a new initiative aimed at providing targeted support to eight of Quebec’s most economically vulnerable Regional County Municipalities (RCMs). This initiative, which will be implemented from 2024 to 2027, is designed to offer more flexible program conditions to better address the specific economic needs of these regions.
The eight RCMs identified for this support are Kativik Regional Administration, Avignon, Haute-Gaspésie, La Tuque, Gatineau Valley, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Rocher-Percé, and Pontiac. Each of these regions will benefit from tailored adjustments to the types of projects that can receive funding and the forms of support available.
In a statement provided by Samir Goulamaly, Strategic Communications Senior Advisor at CED, it was explained that the initiative will allow businesses and non-profit organizations (NPOs) in these RCMs to access a variety of program flexibilities. These include adjustments to the types of projects eligible for funding, such as “the eligibility, under certain conditions, of accommodation projects, first-stage processing projects in specific sectors, or essential retail and service projects.” Goulamaly also highlighted that these adjustments are intended to be responsive to the local needs of each RCM, allowing CED to “expand the scope of its interventions based on the reality and economic challenges of each RCM.”
Additionally, the initiative offers the possibility of non-repayable contributions of less than $100,000 for certain commercial activities, under specific conditions. This financial support is crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and NPOs that are working on projects capable of generating concrete economic benefits in their regions.
The Pontiac RCM, one of the regions included in this initiative, could see significant benefits from these targeted adjustments. The types of projects that might receive support include tourism-related initiatives, such as the development of accommodations and enhancement of tourist attractions, as well as essential services and retail businesses that are vital for sustaining local communities, particularly in remote or isolated areas.
In terms of evaluating the success of this initiative, Goulamaly noted that the CED will be using its Economic Development Index (EDI) to track progress. This index, based on socio-economic indicators from Statistics Canada’s census data, will be updated in 2027 to assess the impact of the initiative on the long-term economic development of the targeted RCMs.
Minister Martinez Ferrada emphasised the broader goal of this initiative, stating, “Our government’s mission is to support businesses and regions across the country in moving toward the economy of tomorrow and helping them seize the business opportunities that will arise. That’s why CED wants to go further in its approach by paying special attention to Quebec’s RCMs that are the most economically vulnerable. Helping them develop their economic assets will contribute to ensuring more inclusive economic growth that will benefit every community in Quebec.”
This initiative represents a strategic effort by the Canadian government to strengthen the economic foundations of Quebec’s most vulnerable regions, ensuring they have the resources needed to achieve long-term growth and prosperity.
Photo caption: Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced a new CED initiative providing tailored financial support to revitalize Quebec's most economically vulnerable regions.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s Facebook Page
