November 05, 2012

Pan Canadian Forum on Economic Development in Canadian Francophonie

Gatineau [November 2, 2012] – RDéE Canada, Canada’s national Francophone economic development and employability network, welcomes the adoption of an integrated action plan at the Pan Canadian Forum on Economic Development in Canadian Francophonie, which wrapped up today in Gatineau.  As a preferred partner, it wants to play a leadership role in the plan’s implementation.

 “We are delighted with the outcome of this national event.  Thanks in part to our twelve provincial and territorial RDéEs, we are poised to provide the necessary post-Forum follow-up,” said Gilles Lanteigne, President of the Board of Directors of RDéE Canada.

 “We will continue to implement future-oriented initiatives for the vitality and sustainability of Francophone and Acadian communities,” he added.  “Among such initiatives that are an integral part of the Forum’s action plan are:

Providing coaching and support to entrepreneurs throughout their business process

Facilitating access to funding for developers and business leaders from the various sectors (private, cooperative and non-profit) of the economy

Supporting the economic integration and retention of members of the Francophone and Acadian communities as well as immigrants looking to settle there.”

“As the voice of the only national network of Francophone economic development, we are committed to meeting with government officials to solicit their concrete support of the projects highlighted at the Forum,” he said.

“Naturally, we will continue to fully assume our leadership role in strengthening the Canadian Francophone Economic Space, which we initiated in collaboration with the CFDC (Community Futures Development Corporations) and CBDC (Canadian Business Service Centres) network to ensure the vitality of Francophone and Acadian communities and Canada’s economic growth.  We are very pleased with our discussions with the key players in the country’s economic development and plan to expand our collaborations,” said Mr. Lanteigne.

Representatives from the RDéEs of all the provinces and territories attended the Forum, taking this opportunity to promote the Francophone and Acadian communities with which they work.

RDéE Canada's mission is to promote economic development and job creation to ensure the vitality and sustainability of Francophone and Acadian communities of Canada.  In nine provinces and three territories, it is the only national network of francophone economic development and has actively contributed, since 1997, to the growth of the economy.