Sherbrooke, QC, August 6, 2020 - Proud of the support offered by the Government of Canada to a key enterprise in her riding, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead made a point of celebrating on Thursday the award of $ 834,431 to the company J. M. Champeau Inc.

For the company, this financial assistance will be used to carry out a pilot project to automate and maximize the manufacturing of the company’s hardwood products. The investment consists of the installation in the factory of a completely automated wood processing line in a new building designed specifically for this purpose.

This project is part of the overall support granted by the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, Mélanie Joly, of nearly $ 23 million to more than thirty businesses throughout Quebec. For Champeau, these funds were granted under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program of Canada Economic Development (CED). This program is aimed at entrepreneurs who rely on innovation to grow their business and become more competitive, which is important for this Saint-Malo SME which has outlets in nearly 30 countries.

“As we begin our safe economic recovery, it is important that as a government we support our entrepreneurs who create wealth and who participate in the retention of the workforce in our regions. I am delighted with the help we are providing so that businesses are properly equipped to remain competitive and can continue to prosper,” said Minister Bibeau.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative businesses so that they can further increase their competitiveness. Federal assistance will not only be used to guarantee J. M. Champeau its technological advance in its manufacturing processes, but will also help ensure high-paying, quality jobs for our region.

"These investments will allow us to continue to grow during these uncertain economic times and thus continue to bring our expertise to the world markets. The success of the project is of course linked to the excellence of the Champeau team, which is growing again this year," said Pierre Champeau, CEO of J. M. Champeau.

Quick facts
• Established in the early 1900s in Saint-Malo, Quebec in the Eastern Townships, the factories of J. M. Champeau Inc., cover an area of more than 225,000 square feet and use cutting-edge technology. They employ more than 175 highly qualified employees.
• The Honourable Mélanie Joly is the Minister responsible for the six regional development agencies, including CED.
• The six regional development agencies focus on regional economic development and diversification to help communities prosper. With a very strong presence in communities, they know where the need for additional support is the greatest.
• CED is a key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies Quebec businesses, supporting organizations and regions into tomorrow’s economy.

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For media enquiries, please contact:
Kimberly Luce
Constituency Assistant
Office of the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP for Compton-Stanstead
Cell: 819-571-8926