Montréal, April 14, 2016 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is pleased that the government intends to inject $500 million over three years to support innovation in the manufacturing sector, as announced today by the Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, Dominique Anglade.
“We have long known that innovation in manufacturing is one of the keys for local businesses and our economy,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “Despite this, indicators continue to show that local businesses under-invest, and this results in a structural lag in productivity. Manufacturers, like all businesses, have to focus on increasing productivity both by innovating in products and processes and by developing new business models. The three strategic plans presented today by Minister Anglade are a step in the right direction and send a clear message to businesses.”
“The Board of Trade also supports Investissement Québec’s intention to change its corporate culture by becoming more customer driven and orienting its services more to the needs of its client businesses,” Michel Leblanc said. “The pace of change in the business environment and on markets got considerably faster in recent years. Businesses need more agile and flexible financing solutions and guidance based on close relationships. We support the plan proposed by the president of Investissement Québec, Pierre-Gabriel Côté, to increase the efficiency of support measures that contribute to the growth of the city’s businesses.”
“Finally, we support the intention to ensure greater consistency between the vision and economic initiatives of the Government of Quebec and its government corporations,” Mr. Leblanc said. “The Board of Trade urges the government to pursue this strategy to align and simplify the business support system to create greater synergy and make it more efficient and closer to the reality of businesses.”
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of over 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the voice of Montréal’s business community and to promote the city’s prosperity. It is involved in key areas of economic development, advocating a philosophy of action based on engagement, credibility, proactivity, collaboration, and innovation. The Board of Trade also offers a range of specialized services to individuals and to businesses of all sizes to support them in their growth at home and abroad.
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Source:
Guillaume Bérubé
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514 871-4000, extension 4042
gberube@ccmm.qc.ca
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