January 9, 2019 – Moncton, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Business innovation and productivity are key to a dynamic economy and a higher standard of living in Atlantic Canada. Thanks to a new project undertaken by the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick, inc. (CÉNB) (in French only), 15 francophone companies across New Brunswick will receive the support they need to increase their productivity and competitiveness.
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with Johanne Lévesque, Director of the Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité du N.-B. (RDÉE) (in French only), made the announcement today.
Specifically, this project will establish a support program for 15 francophone companies across the province, primarily in the manufacturing sector, to create cultures of process improvement within their organizations. Participating companies will explore ways of improving their processes, practices, and methods of operation to increase efficiency and productivity, while maintaining quality. Each participating company will be able to adopt a permanent lean culture, boosting net profits and competitiveness. The Government of Canada is providing a non-repayable contribution of $844,890 toward this initiative through ACOA's Business Development Program.
This project builds on the federal and provincial governments' commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which prioritizes innovation. This project is also aligned with the Economic Development Initiative under the federal government's Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in our Future, in support of business and economic development activities that promote sustainable growth for francophone communities in Atlantic Canada.
"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and growth for Atlantic Canadian companies. To remain competitive in today's world, Canadian businesses need to be forward-thinking and take steps to increase their productivity. This project will see 15 New Brunswick companies poised to innovate and grow, and to contribute to the growth of local economies throughout the province."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"I'm pleased to see our government's support for this project, which will be of tremendous benefit to the participating companies and the region as a whole. This initiative will help francophone businesses remain competitive and better prepared to cope with current and future challenges in a rapidly changing marketplace. These companies will then be able to keep contributing to economic development in their communities, and throughout New Brunswick. We all stand to benefit from this project.''
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe
"Our team is very pleased to have ACOA's support and participation in this new program aimed at effectively sharing knowledge to help Francophone businesses integrate a culture of continuous improvement and reduce waste. The economic future for Francophone communities in the province relies on our small and medium-sized businesses, and with this project, we will be able to give them the tools they need to prosper and remain current.''
- Johanne Lévesque, Director, RDÉE
