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2 Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

This section provides information on the Agency’s strategic outcome, challengesand program activities.

2.1 Strategic outcome: A competitive and diversified economy for the regions of Quebec

This strategic outcome reflects the object of the Act establishing the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec: to promote the development and diversification of the economy of the regions of Quebec. This single strategic outcome, compared with the three strategic outcomes presented in the RPP 2009-2010, provides for better integration between development of communities and competitiveness of enterprises and regions.

2.1.1 Challenges associated with the strategic outcome

For communities

Several regions or communities whose economy is traditionally based on natural resources and which are generally far from the major markets are having difficulty diversifying their economic base. Owing to their heavy economic dependency on a small number of industries or sectors, these communities are often hardest hit in the event of a crisis. The global economic downturn has led to even greater adjustment difficulties for communities posting slow economic growth, and those dependent on traditional economic sectors or the manufacturing sector.

In this context, the Agency pursues its object of helping Quebec communities posting slow economic growth increase their development capability and dynamism. The Agency thus supports these communities so they have economic adjustment capability. It also provides support for the emergence of new entrepreneurs and development of local and regional enterprises, while supporting the tourism sector. The Agency also intervenes financially in communities to renew and construct infrastructure associated with drinking water and local transportation, for instance, as well as cultural, sports and tourism infrastructure, to improve citizens’ quality of life.

For SMEs

Enterprises and regions operate in a context featuring a strong process of economic integration in which several emerging economies are present. Combined with the growing pace of technological progress, this generates multiple opportunities (access to new markets and new ideas) but also brings substantial adjustments (redeployment of workers, new business models). It is through an increase in the competitiveness of SMEs and regions that wealth and employment will be created.

The economic downturn has had and continues to have a negative impact on the growth and competitive positioning of SMEs and regions. In that context, the Agency is continuing its work with economic development agents and pursuing its efforts to help enterprises and regions take advantage of the fragile economic recovery.

2.1.2 Program activities in line with the strategic outcome

In line with its strategic outcome, the Agency intervenes in six areas of activity:

• Community Development
• Infrastructure
• Special intervention measures
• Enterprise Competitiveness
• Competitive positioning of sectors and regions
• Policies, programs and initiatives

These program activities are implemented in the form of financial assistance accessible through the 14 business offices, which also provide consulting and information services, and an Infrastructure Branch. In addition, to support the development and implementation of policies and programs, the Agency analyses the needs of Quebec regions and communities with respect to regional economic development, in conjunction with its federal and Government of Quebec partners. This strategic outcome contributes to attainment of one of the outcomes targeted by the Government of Canada: strong economic growth.

2.2 Program activities

The following subsection presents all program activities along with the initiatives specific to Canada's Economic Action Plan.

2.2.1 Program activity: Community Development

2009-2010
Financial resources (in thousands of dollars)			Human resources (full-time equivalents)
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual expenditures	Planned resources	Actual resources	Variance
138,936	140,736	140,750	118	100	(18)

Actual expenditures in Fiscal Year 2009-2010 were slightly higher (1.3%) than planned spending. This represents minimal financial variance within the framework of normal management of operations.

Expected results	Performance indicators	Objectives17	Status of performance	Summary of performance
Communities are pursuing a development vision and implementing resulting initiatives.	Number of communities that have mobilized, established development or diversification plans and implemented development or diversification initiatives.	30	Met all expectations	30
	Number of mobilization or joint action activities	No objective set	N/A	273 activities which mobilized 1,635 participants
Enterprises are contributing to community economic growth and maintenance.	Proportion of SMEs assisted that maintained or increased their sales	70%	Exceeded expectations	73%
	Number of enterprises created and developed	No objective set	N/A	165
	Number of enterprises maintained	No objective set	N/A	48
	Number of jobs created and maintained18	No objective set	N/A	2,053
Communities are recognized for their distinctiveness, brand image and outreach.	Value of investment in community facilities	$100 million	Mostly met expectations	$83.7 million
	Increase in number of tourists from outside Quebec	No objective set	N/A	(386,000)19

Program activity summary

A community’s vitality depends on its ability to develop by building on its own assets. The Agency promotes the dynamism of Quebec’s communities by helping them maintain and develop their economic activity base.

The economic downturn, brought on among other things by the higher Canadian dollar, tighter credit for SMEs and declining North American demand, affected all Quebec regions and the different sectors of economy activity. Thus, numerous communities in outlying regions whose economies are heavily dependent on natural resources were especially hard hit by this slowdown. For instance, the forestry sector, which has experienced various difficulties in the past few years, saw demand for wood and newsprint products plummet, translating into the loss of 34,000 direct jobs between October 2008 and April 2010. Other communities in the central regions saw their exports of manufactured products decline, also leading to numerous job losses.

In view of this special economic context, the Agency’s action aimed to focus on displaying the potential of those regions so as to help them diversify and cope with the economic downturn.

The objectives pursued by the Community Development program activity were:

• community mobilization: fostering communities’ development and increasing their mobilization by drawing up visions and projects or local and regional scope
• local development: assisting communities through support for entrepreneurship and through creation or maintenance of viable enterprises
• attractive communities: increasing communities’ capability to attract tourists.

The Agency provided direct support to SMEs and NPOs through two grant and contribution programs: the Community Diversification²⁰ program and the Community Futures Program²¹.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan initiative

Initiative: Pavillon de l’éducation physique et des sports (PEPS) of Université Laval

2009-2010
Financial resources (in thousands of dollars)			Human resources (full-time equivalents)
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual expenditures	Planned resources	Actual resources	Variance
---	3,750	3,223	---	---	---

As the PEPS project was initiated during the year, no spending was planned at the start of 2009-2010.

Under CEAP, the Agency provided Université Laval with $4.5 million in funding for its Pavillon de l’éducation physique et des sports (sports and physical education facility), of which $3.2 million was paid out in 2009-2010. This funding will help increase hosting capacity at major events and make it possible to provide broader sports programming.

Benefits for Canadians

This program activity enables Quebec regions and communities to maintain and develop their economic activity base. This is all the more crucial since the recent economic downturn had generated a negative impact on communities' vitality, witness the increase in the number of vulnerable communities, the closing of SMEs of local and regional scope, and the drop in the number of tourists from outside Quebec. Consequently, action by the Agency that fosters an increase in these communities’ vitality contributes to stronger economic growth in Quebec and in Canada as a whole.

Performance analysis

In addition to the performance presented in the above table, this section of the report contains a more comprehensive analysis of the results associated with the Community Development program activity.

The total value of the 599 projects under this program activity in 2009-2010 amounted to $1.4 billion. A total of $402.7 million came from the Agency on a multiyear basis, so the leverage effect was 2.47. In other words, for each dollar invested by the Agency, $2.47 was invested by the promoter and other funding sources. Despite the economic context of 2009-2010, the Agency presented a leverage effect comparable to the 2.64 posted in 2008-2009.

Overall, the Agency’s performance in 2009-2010 meets expectations. Communities have mobilized, created development and diversification plans and implemented initiatives in that regard.

Despite the backdrop of an economic downturn in 2009-2010, 73% of the SMEs assisted by the Agency have maintained or increased their sales—the same level as in 2008-2009. Moreover, 2,053 jobs were created or maintained within the SMEs receiving assistance.

Under the Community Futures Program, the Agency provided financial support for local and regional development agencies: the 57 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) located in designated rural regions, the 14 Community Economic Development Corporations located in disadvantaged urban areas and the 10 Business Development Centres located in peri-urban areas. In 2009-2010, the Agency spent $42.6 million to support these organizations. Of that amount, $16.6 million went to the Business Support Fund, which facilitated access to funding and services for enterprises in the manufacturing, tourism, and strategic and technological tertiary sectors in regions outside Quebec’s major urban centres.

As of March 31, 2010, CFDCs had achieved the following results through their current projects:

• a total of $136.4 million invested in startup enterprises
• 1,173 jobs created in the 353 enterprises created
• 7,794 jobs created and maintained in the 976 expanding enterprises
• 2,465 enterprises in acquisition, recovery, expansion or modernization received guidance services.

In all, 83.7% (or $83.7 million out of the planned $100 million) of investment planned for 2009-2010 in community facilities was made, mostly met expectations. Expenditures depend on the progress of projects, and the status of a large-scale project can affect investment made during the year.

Lessons learned

The economic downturn of the past year has had an impact on the Agency’s ability to fulfil its mandate and attain its expected results. To mitigate the impact of the unfavourable economic situation, the Agency implemented in 2009-2010 measures to ease the terms and conditions of the Community Diversification program. These changes led to a broadening of the target clientele, activities and eligible expenditures. As a result, the Agency was able to respond more effectively to the needs of enterprises and communities.

2.2.2 Program activity: Infrastructure

2009-2010
Financial resources (in thousands of dollars)			Human resources (full-time equivalents)
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual expenditures	Planned resources	Actual resources	Variance
45,588	73,401	20,982	14	10	(4)

Actual expenditures in Fiscal Year 2009-2010 were 54% lower than planned spending. Actual expenditures depend on the progress of infrastructure projects. Under agreements signed with the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec is the implementing authority for most infrastructure programs.

Expected results	Performance indicators	Objectives	Performance status	Performance summary22
Rural and urban communities have quality public infrastructure.	Municipalities have quality drinking water available.	As per agreement with the Government of Quebec	Met all expectations	3,873 households have access to a municipal water supply. 549,744 households have access to a municipal water supply providing higher quality drinking water. 19,063 additional households have access to a municipal wastewater collection and treatment system. 847,788 households have access to a municipal wastewater collection system providing higher quality treatment.
	Municipalities benefit from safe transportation infrastructure.	As per agreement with the Government of Quebec	Met all expectations	262 municipalities benefit from the establishment or upgrading of transportation infrastructure.
	Maintenance and renewal of assets improve communities’ economic activity base.	As per agreement with the Government of Quebec	Met all expectations	90 municipalities benefit from the maintenance or upgrading of sports, recreational or cultural facilities.

Program activity summary

The quality of community infrastructure has an impact on the quality of life of citizens. Quality infrastructure enables communities to attract and retain enterprises and workers that will secure their economic and social future. It also makes the movement of people and goods more efficient and safer.

In this spirit, an agreement with the Government of Quebec, signed in 2000 and in effect until March 31, 2011, led to implementation of the Infrastructure Canada Program.²³ The ICP is aimed at the repair, replacement or construction of infrastructure, and includes three components: drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, local transportation infrastructure, and projects with urban or regional economic impacts. The Agency paid out $12.0 million for the ICP in 2009-2010, and is the program manager with full responsibility for the program, while the Government of Quebec is the implementing authority for the program.

The Agency also partners with Infrastructure Canada in delivering the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, the Building Canada Fund and the Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Fund. Infrastructure Canada will report on the activities and results associated with these funds in its own Departmental Performance Report.²⁴

Canada’s Economic Action Plan initiatives

Initiative: Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program

2009-2010
Financial resources (in thousands of dollars)			Human resources (full-time equivalents)
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual expenditures	Planned resources	Actual resources	Variance
---	20,154	2,118	---	7	7

Since the RInC was initiated during the year, no spending was planned at the start of 2009-2010. Actual expenditures are lower than total authorities; nevertheless, the unspent part of the funding was carried forward to 2010-2011. The Agency plans to spend $77.9 million in 2010-2011 (total authorities).

Announced in January 2009 and administered by the Agency, the RInC,²⁵ is an initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan to provide economic stimulus in the short term. This two-year financial contribution program will lead to renovation of recreational infrastructure. The program is intended to increase construction activities for recreational infrastructure and create jobs.

The Agency administers the program jointly with two Government of Quebec departments: the ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport and the ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire. These two departments are the program’s lead players for all funding applications other than those from First Nations, which are handled through the Agency.

Initiative: Contribution Program to Supply the Municipality of Shannon with Drinking Water

2009-2010
Financial resources (in thousands of dollars)			Human resources (full-time equivalents)
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual expenditures	Planned resources	Actual resources	Variance
---	6,437	6,437	---	---	---

Since the Contribution program to supply the Municipality of Shannon with drinking water was initiated during the year, no spending was planned at the start of 2009-2010.

The Contribution program to supply the Municipality of Shannon with drinking water, a CEAP initiative, enabled the municipality of Shannon to obtain a non-repayable financial contribution of $13.3 million for the establishment of a drinking water system supplied from a groundwater source and construction of a reservoir and a pumping station. Of that amount, $6.4 million was paid out in 2009-2010.

Benefits for Canadians

The ICP enables many Canadian communities to:

• enhance the quality of the environment
• support long-term economic growth
• upgrade community infrastructure
• build 21st-century infrastructure through best technologies and practices and new approaches.

RInC targets the modernization and renovation of recreational facilities with a view to providing communities with service infrastructure that can contribute, among other things, to their community, cultural, economic, sports or tourism growth.

The Contribution program to supply the Municipality of Shannon with drinking water will enable the 700 households in the municipality of Shannon to have access to a quality drinking water system.

Performance analysis

ICP projects approved since the start of the program have enabled 3,873 households that previously had no access to drinking water to have access through a municipal water supply; 549,744 households to have access to a municipal water supply providing higher quality drinking water; 19,063 households that previously had no access to a municipal wastewater collection and treatment system to have access; and 847,788 households to have access to a municipal wastewater collection system providing better treatment. They have also enabled 262 communities to benefit from upgraded local transportation infrastructure and a further 90 communities to benefit from upgrading of sports, recreational and cultural facilities. Finally, the projects have created 880 permanent direct jobs. The end-of-program evaluation for the ICP will provide information on project results.

Under CEAP, a total of 204 projects aimed at increasing construction activities associated with recreational infrastructure were approved and are in startup phase. Federal contributions represent a quarter of the total cost of the projects, amounting to $295.6 million as of March 31, 2010.

The first phase of the Contribution program to supply the Municipality of Shannon with drinking water ($6.4 million for construction and fitting up of the pumping station, wells, reservoir and aqueduct) was concluded on March 31, 2010. Phase II ($6.9 million for construction of the aqueduct along Highway 369 and commissioning) will complete the project in 2010-2011.

Lessons learned

Budget 2009 provided for the acceleration and expansion of Government of Canada investment in infrastructure. The Agency assumed responsibility for delivering the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program through an agreement with the Government of Quebec, as well as fulfilling its responsibilities with respect to other infrastructure programs, in particular the ICP.

2.2.3 Program activity: Special intervention measures

Program activity summary

Special intervention measures come to the assistance of communities and regions facing significant economic shocks or natural disasters. The Agency does not have funds devoted to this program activity.

This program activity has two goals:

• Community adjustment to economic shocks: facilitate the identification and implementation of development and diversification opportunities in communities hit by significant job losses. The Agency assists communities and regions facing major economic shocks.
• Community adjustment to natural disasters: facilitate the adjustment of communities facing natural disasters.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan initiative

Initiative: Community Adjustment Fund

2009-2010
Financial resources (in thousands of dollars)			Human resources (full-time equivalents)
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual expenditures	Planned resources	Actual resources	Variance
---	100,115	99,482	---	30	30

Since the CAF was initiated during the year, no spending was planned at the start of 2009-2010.

The 2009 federal budget gave the Agency $210.9 million in funding over two years, in support of CEAP, under the Community Adjustment Fund.²⁶ Of that amount, $99.5 million was spent in 2009-2010, and the Agency plans to spend $111.4 million in 2010-2011 (total authorities). The CAF is an economic stimulus initiative aimed at mitigating the impact of the economic downturn in the short term by contributing to the creation and maintenance of jobs, while meeting challenges with respect to transition and community adjustment. This initiative terminates on March 31, 2011.

The CAF was implemented through the existing programs, Community Diversification and Business and Regional Growth. Two means were used: direct contributions to enterprises’ and NPOs’ projects, and agreements with the Government of Quebec. These two means led to the rapid creation and the maintenance of jobs in communities hard hit by the economic downturn.

Benefits for Canadians

The CAF primarily targets non-urban regions where employment opportunities are more limited in an economic downturn. So this Fund will help create, by the end of the initiative, temporary and permanent job opportunities and help Quebec regions get through the economic slowdown.

Performance analysis

On the one hand, delivery of the CAF was effected by the Agency, directly with promoters, through the existing programs, Community Diversification and Business and Regional Growth. A total of 199 projects were approved, generating $278.7 million in investment in enterprises and communities. To date, the Agency’s financial support has helped maintain or develop 133 enterprises in 123 communities, which have thus increased or improved their development opportunities.

On the other hand, seven agreements were signed with the Government of Quebec. These Canada-Quebec Agreements – Job Creation Initiatives have led to the creation and maintenance of jobs through silvicultural operations carried out in public and private forests and restoration of bridges and culverts on forest multi-use roads in the different regions of Quebec, thus:

• Six agreements were entered into to perform silviculture work for the period 2009-2011, particularly for the rehabilitation of poorly regenerated areas, rehabilitation of hardwood forests and intensive silviculture operations. The projects implemented through these agreements were the subject of consultation among local stakeholders. The joint contribution of the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec amounts to $200 million over two years, including $100 million from the Agency. Of this amount, the Agency paid out $59 million in 2009-2010.
• Another agreement was signed to perform restoration work on watercourse crossings on forest multi-use roads on Quebec public lands. Their condition limits access to regional resort infrastructure and hampers the practice of outdoor activities. Several Quebec regions are benefitting from this joint funding, amounting to $30 million over two years, $15 million of it from the Agency. Of this amount, the Agency paid out $4.4 million in 2009-2010.

Lessons learned

Back in spring 2009, the Agency set up the CAF through the existing Community Diversification and Business and Regional Growth programs. This made it possible to facilitate the processing of funding applications, thus accelerating the process of awarding funding to communities and SMEs. CAF criteria and terms and conditions (level of assistance, and eligible expenditures and clientele) were also developed so that the initiative could be more easily accessible for Quebec communities and SMEs, with a view to helping the regions of Quebec get through the economic downturn.

2.2.4 Program activity: Enterprise Competitiveness

2009-2010
Financial resources (in thousands of dollars)			Human resources (full-time equivalents)
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual expenditures	Planned resources	Actual resources	Variance
71,961	73,839	69,847	53	46	(7)

Actual expenditures in Fiscal Year 2009-2010 were slightly lower (-2.9%) than planned spending. This represents minimal financial variance within the framework of normal management of operations.

Expected results	Performance indicators	Objectives	Performance status	Performance summary
Assisted enterprises are using their strategic capabilities.	Proportion of SMEs assisted having maintained or increased their sales.	70%	Mostly met expectations	67%
	Number of enterprises which have improved their value chain management or integrated a value chain.	140	Exceeded expectations	201
	Average increase in foreign sales	No objective set	N/A	$1,036,747
Products and services derived from Research and development R&D are being commercialized.	Average increase in sales of products and services derived from R&D	No objective set	N/A	$571,160
New enterprises and strategic capital investments are consolidating the economic base of the regions.	Number of innovative enterprises created or expanding	No objective set	N/A	9827
	Number of created jobs28	No objective set	N/A	607

Program activity summary

This program activity enables enterprises to improve their performance and become more competitive by increasing their productivity, revenue earned and job levels, thus contributing to creating conditions conducive to sustainable growth.

In 2009-2010, the Agency’s financial support with respect to competitiveness was aimed at helping enterprises deal with the U.S. and global economic slowdown and the climate of economic uncertainty (tighter credit and lower corporate profits) in order to lessen their impact on enterprises’ exports and productivity.

On top of the difficulties associated with the recent economic situation, which tends to have a greater impact on enterprises involved in innovation and exports, enterprises still face the challenges associated with globalization, low productivity and insufficient innovation. These issues are taken into account by the Agency in its support for SMEs’ competitiveness. Quebec productivity still lags behind the productivity of Canada and the majority of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, whence the need to pursue efforts with respect to investment in machinery and equipment. Moreover, Quebec enterprises, while relatively active in R&D, have difficulty commercializing their innovations—this is particularly the case with SMEs.

In the current economic environment, competitiveness depends on enterprises’ ability to innovate with respect to products and processes and makes it also necessary to integrate with distributors’ and manufacturers’ global networks.

To support the competitive of enterprises (SMEs), the Agency has two goals:

• development of enterprises’ capabilities – by improving SMEs’ capabilities with respect to management, innovation, adoption of advanced technology, market development, and integration with globalized production chains
• development of strategic enterprises – by supporting the establishment and first phases of expansion of enterprises in economic activities deemed strategic for a region’s development so as to consolidate its economic base.

This program activity primarily targets SMEs and NPOs, and is implemented through the Business and Regional Growth grant and contribution program.²⁹

Canada’s Economic Action Plan initiative

Initiative: Canada Business Network (CBN)

2009-2010
Financial resources (in thousands of dollars)			Human resources (full-time equivalents)
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual expenditures	Planned resources	Actual resources	Variance
---	1,875	1,875	---	---	---

Since the CBN was initiated during the year through CEAP, no spending was planned at the start of 2009-2010.

Under CEAP, the Agency planned $3.8 million in funding, of which $1.9 million was paid out in 2009-2010, to the two Canada Business Network Service Centres in Quebec: Info entrepreneurs in Montréal, and Ressources Entreprises in Québec. These service centres provide business information and referral services to guide entrepreneurs toward specialized resources.

Benefits for Canadians

Better productivity, increased innovation capability and enhanced commercialization of innovation increase enterprises’ performance and competitive advantages and foster the establishment of innovative enterprises. Increases in corporate revenues and the number of jobs contribute to the presence of conditions conducive to enterprises’ sustainable growth. SMEs’ enhanced competitiveness thereby contributes to strengthening economic growth.

Performance analysis

In addition to the performance presented in the above table, this section of the report contains a more comprehensive analysis of the results associated with the Enterprise Competitiveness program activity.

The total value of the 485 projects under this program activity amounted to $799.3 million. About a quarter ($187.6 million) of this amount came from the Agency’s contributions, so the leverage effect was 3.26. In other words, for each dollar invested by the Agency in 2009-2010, $3.26 was invested by the promoter and other funding sources. Despite the economic context in 2009-2010, the Agency presented a leverage effect slightly higher than the previous year’s level of 3.06.

The Agency funded regional export promotion organizations (ORPEXs) to the tune of some $2 million. Each year, more than 1,000 SMEs benefit from the activities and services provided by the 14 ORPEXs, whose mandate is to help enterprises prepare, plan and undertake an export process in order to increase their foreign sales. Their service offering contributes to the development and enhancement of SMEs’ market development capability, so they can take advantage of business opportunities available on foreign markets. Moreover, 122 SMEs receiving assistance from ORPEXs became exporting SMEs in 2009-2010.

By means of its financial support for innovation management, the Agency aims to enable enterprises to increase or improve their innovation capability. Through a $17.7-million contribution from the Agency to 22 enterprises, those enterprises were able to invest a total of $37.8 million in equipment, technology and processes.

The Agency also organized two Business Contact³⁰ events, in the Côte-Nord and Outaouais regions. These events are aimed at raising awareness and providing information and details concerning business startup and growth, innovation, productivity, exports, and the strategic issues specific to each of the regions. In all, 357 entrepreneurs and economic agents took part in these events.

Also, to provide enterprises with an ongoing information service, the Agency provides financial support for Canada Business Service Centres which answered 25,811 information requests, of which 3,911 directly at the counter and 16,844 by telephone.

Lessons learned

The economic downturn of the past year has had an impact on the Agency's ability to fulfil its mandate and attain its expected results. To mitigate the impact of the unfavourable economic situation, the Agency implemented measures in 2009-2010 to ease the terms and conditions of the Business and Regional Growth program. These changes led to a broadening of the target clientele, activities and eligible expenditures. As a result, the Agency was able to respond more effectively to the needs of enterprises and communities.

2.2.5 Program activity: Competitive positioning of sectors and regions

2009-2010
Financial resources (in thousands of dollars)			Human resources (full-time equivalents)
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual expenditures	Planned resources	Actual resources	Variance
22,842	24,906	37,529	36	30	(6)

Actual expenditures for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 were 64.3% higher than planned spending. In the context of an economic downturn, the Agency successfully adapted by redirecting resources to projects presenting attractive business opportunities in order to revive the international competitiveness of sectors and regions. This choice was in line with the Government of Canada’s priorities, in that it contributed to the economy of the future.

Expected results	Performance indicators	Objectives	Performance status	Performance summary
Competitiveness poles are being developed and consolidated.	Number of enterprises networked or taking part in networks	No objective set	N/A	1,027
Clusters or networks of enterprises in the same sector or region are better structured.	Investment31 in applied research projects	No objective set	N/A	$95.8 million
The innovation commercialization process is generating medium- and long-range economic and social spinoffs.	Number of technology transfers	No objective set	N/A	542
Competitive regions are attracting foreign direct investment and international organizations.	Jobs created and maintained in Quebec as a result of foreign direct investment32	No objective set	N/A	2,907
	Number of new international organizations established in Montréal33	No objective set	N/A	2

Program activity summary

This program activity is intended primarily for SMEs and NPOs, and is supported by the Business and Regional Growth grant and contribution program.

Enterprises and regions have operated in a context featuring an economic downturn and a strong process of economic integration in which the growing presence of emerging economies (e.g. China, India, etc.) is seen. Combined with the growing pace of technological progress, this generates multiple opportunities (access to new markets and new ideas) but also brings substantial adjustments (redeployment of workers, new business models). It is through an increase in the competitiveness of SMEs and regions that the negative impact of this context on the creation of wealth and employment will be reduced.

The two objectives targeted by this program activity are:

• To develop competitive regional poles and national- and international-calibre poles of excellence. To achieve this, the Agency supports innovation and networking of knowledge players; it supports development of a critical mass of knowledge in sectors and regions; and it encourages technology enhancement and transfer.
• To enhance the international competitiveness of Quebec regions. To achieve this, the Agency supports the integrated promotion of locational factors, attraction of foreign direct investment, and reinvestment by foreign firms already established in Quebec.

Benefits for Canadians

This program activity aims to improve regions’ international competitiveness by displaying their knowledge and competitive advantages on the international stage.

Performance analysis

In addition to the performance presented in the above table, this section of the report contains a more comprehensive analysis of the results associated with the Competitive positioning of sectors and regions program activity.

The total value of the 86 projects under this program activity in 2009-2010 amounted to $395.1 million. Of this amount, $131.2 million came from financial assistance from the Agency, so the leverage effect was 2.01. In other words, for each dollar invested by the Agency, $2.01 was invested by the promoter and other funding sources. Despite the economic context, the leverage effect in 2009-2010 was quite similar to the 2.29 posted in 2008-2009.

The international competitiveness of sectors and regions is developed in particular through the intensification of productive links among knowledge institutions, major corporations, PMEs, suppliers of capital and organizations that encourage innovation. The Agency provided financial support to the tune of $5.1 million, as of March 31, 2010, for 16 projects fostering the establishment of business networks or sectoral clusters—or 10 projects more than in 2008-2009. For instance, the Agency supported the Aéro Montréal aerospace cluster and the Quebec Aerospace Association (AQA-SME). A total of 1,027 enterprises have networked or taken part in networks. The Agency’s support thus encouraged the structuring of clusters and networks to help enhance SMEs’ performance and facilitate their adjustment.

Lessons learned

In the context of the economic downturn of the past year, the Agency successfully increased its efforts to support projects presenting strong potential for intensification of productive links among innovation players and for promotion of regions, thus contributing to the economy of the future.

2.2.6 Program activity: Policies, programs and initiatives

2009-2010
Financial resources (in thousands of dollars)			Human resources (full-time equivalents)
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual expenditures	Planned resources	Actual resources	Variance
5,689	5,689	5,611	48	49	1

Actual expenditures for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 were 1.4% lower than planned spending. This represents minimal financial variance within the framework of normal management of operations.

The Policies, programs and initiatives program activity is primarily aimed at ensuring that Quebec communities and regions benefit from adapted, coherent and effective federal action (policies, programs and initiatives) that generates socio-economic spinoffs, and that they can grasp development opportunities.

Expected results	Performance indicators	Objectives	Performance status and summary
Quebec communities and regions as well as organizations and development agents have knowledge to understand new development trends, issues and challenges and are made aware of federal government priorities, programs and initiatives with respect to regional economic development.	Extent to which policy analysis and policy research projects are helpful.	Production and dissemination of knowledge on regional economic development issues, problems and best practices	Met all expectations Participation by the Agency in three research collaboration agreements: 12 studies from the International Trade and Investment Centre of the Conference Board of Canada34 Some 15 publications from the Quebec Metropolis Centre (Canadian centre of excellence on immigration)35 Some 50 newsletters from the Smart Practices Innovation Network36 Holding of two round tables on SMEs and globalization organized by the Agency37 Conduct of nine missions, tours or awareness days, in which 149 enterprises took part, as part of the implementation of the Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy in Quebec Launch and implementation of the Regional Development Study Program.
Policies, programs and initiatives are being developed on the basis of analyses on the challenges, opportunities, best approaches and emerging approaches in regional economic development.	Nature of tools and means used to support regional economic development	Articulation and deployment of tools and means to support regional economic development	Met all expectations Conception of a support measure for diversification of communities affected by the forestry crisis Development of an intervention and support strategy with respect to the Canadian Grand Prix in Montréal Development of an aid program for the municipality of Shannon Obtaining of permanent funding for continued support for Quebec’s vulnerable communities so as to make them stronger and help them and SMEs become more competitive
The Agency has developed collaborative action with other federal government bodies and explored cooperative action with non-federal government organizations and development agents.	Nature of Agency collaboration with government agencies and development agents	Influence and cooperation with partners	Met all expectations Increased cooperation with the Government of Quebec with respect to implementation of the CAF and the RInC Alignment and joint action with federal partners and the Government of Quebec concerning the forestry crisis Alignment and joint action with the other regional development agencies for renewal of the CFP Deployment of the Support initiative for development of international cruises in conjunction with the provincial and federal governments and local stakeholders Contribution from the Agency to deployment of a broadband telecommunications network in James Bay in alignment and consultation with the Government of Quebec

Program activity summary

This program activity gives Quebec regions and communities the opportunity to benefit from federal action which, in particular, helps create and disseminate knowledge with respect to regional economic development that is useful for development stakeholders, and helps grasp business opportunities.

This program activity targeted three goals:

• analysis and research: help development stakeholders have overarching facts and data available to them to inform their reflection and facilitate their decision-making with respect to development trends, challenges and issues
• policies and programs: meet the needs of Quebec communities and regions by drawing up policy directions, programs, initiatives, policies and guidelines that are adapted and coherent
• representation, influence and collaboration: enable Quebec regions and communities to take advantage of action that influences government policy directions or decisions with respect to regional economic development so that they are more closely geared to the specific realities of the regions; ensure coherent, effective, concerted action with federal and other partners when issues, needs or opportunities arise.

Benefits for Canadians

Through its ongoing efforts with respect to analysis and research, development of policies and programs, representation, influence and collaboration, the Agency contributes to influencing the policies, programs and initiatives promoted by the federal government so that they more closely reflect the realities and needs of Quebec regions and are more effective. Adapted, coherent, effective federal action stimulates the economic activity of communities and regions, and support for SMEs enables them to develop and create wealth locally, thus fostering strong economic growth.

Performance analysis

Collaboration with federal partners has ensured that the realities of Quebec regions are reflected in the design and implementation of programs and initiatives. This was the case with the Community Adjustment Fund, a CEAP initiative. Moreover, the Agency was very active on the public policy front, notably through the design and development of a support measure involving $100 million over three years aimed at the diversification of communities affected by the forestry crisis: the Temporary Initiative for the Strengthening of Quebec’s Forest Economies.³⁸

Collaboration with the Government of Quebec leads to complementary action from both levels of government, when warranted. A first example of this collaboration was the joint promotion of Quebec sectors (e.g. transportation equipment, marine industry, electrical and electronic components, and aerospace) and enterprises in the context of large-scale federal government projects to maximize industrial spinoffs in Quebec. The Agency’s initiative to support International cruise development³⁹ on the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers is a second example of collaboration. This initiative is in line with and complementary to the Government of Quebec’s strategy, and follows consultations with the communities concerned.

Lessons learned

In the area of representation, influence and collaboration, it is personal contacts with partners and implementing authorities that generate the most results. The Agency therefore raised its profile at events (trade fairs, conferences, etc.) where major government projects are discussed. As part of the implementation of the Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy in Quebec, the Agency also organized missions, tours and awareness days, in which 149 enterprises took part.

2.2.7 Program activity: Internal Services

This program activity supports the achievement of the Agency’s strategic outcome.

2009-2010
Financial resources (in thousands of dollars)			Human resources (full-time equivalents)
Planned spending	Total authorities	Actual expenditures	Planned resources	Actual resources	Variance
20,376	26,448	23,854	142	161	19

Actual expenditures in Fiscal Year 2009-2010 were 17.1% higher than planned spending. New collective agreements and deferral of the budget surplus largely explain the financial variance. Additional expenditures were also made during the year to meet the needs generated by implementation of the CEAP initiatives.

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to meet the needs of programs and other general corporate obligations. They include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not those provided solely to a program.

For the Agency, these groups are:

• Governance and management support, which includes the following services:
  • Management and monitoring
  • Communications
  • Legal Services
• Resource management services, which include the following services:
  • Human resources management
  • Financial management
  • Information management
  • Information technology
  • Other administrative services
• Asset management services, which include the following services:
  • Real property
  • Materiel
  • Acquisitions.

Management and monitoring services include the Agency’s internal audit and evaluation services. The Agency’s Departmental Audit Committee held several meetings in 2009-2010, allowing for discussions on a range of issues in the areas of risk management, internal control and governance. Committee members gained a high level of assurance that, overall, the appropriate mechanisms were in place on those fronts, in particular through the work performed on internal audit and reporting activities.

In 2009-2010, the members of the Departmental Evaluation Committee discussed evaluation-related issues and approved different evaluation frameworks and reports. To ensure that recommendations from evaluations are taken into account, the committee approved an action plan monitoring process and was informed of the first tracking results. This procedure contributes to enhancing implementation of the Agency’s programs, and to their effectiveness and efficiency.

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