Feds announce new innovation and growth strategy for Quebec

The Canadian government has introduced a Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions. The new plan aims to support region-specific initiatives that will foster innovation, entrepreneurial activity and the creation of well-paying jobs. Piloted by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), the strategy focuses on four priorities: innovation and clean tech; growth and exports; entrepreneurial talent; and growth for everyone in all regions, including rural and remote areas. The four major priorities as well as fourteen related action points were validated by a hundred Quebec economic development experts, who participated in interregional roundtables last spring. The announcement also named eight initial projects that will be supported through the strategy, including StartAéro 360°, a guidance program for SMEs in the aerospace and related sectors, which will receive $2.98 million over three years. Other projects include the creation of an office for the development of growing businesses and a contest for young scholars in emerging sectors.