Supporting information on the 2023-24 Departmental Plan
Summary :
The additional information provided in this publication is a supplement to the 2023–24 Departmental Plan.
Table of Contents
Operational Context
While the Quebec economy returned to its pre-pandemic level of activity in 2021—both in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) and the labour market—it faced headwinds in 2022. Issues that were present before the pandemic returned to the forefront, such as the labour shortage, and the productivity of Quebec businesses, which remains lower than that of Canada, the U.S. and other G7 countries. New challenges also emerged in 2022, including the highest level of inflation in nearly 40 years and the ensuing significant monetary tightening; ongoing disruptions in global supply chains; and geopolitical tensions.
These factors are negatively affecting Quebec’s economic outlook for 2023–2024: pessimism is spreading, both among consumers who are worried about their declining purchasing power and among businesses that are hesitant to invest.
However, the current situation is atypical, with a labour market whose resilience is clouding the issue: unemployment remains low and there are still a lot of vacant positions, so the decline in employment could be limited. That said, insufficient investment, at a time when Quebec’s main challenges point to the need for a significant correction in this regard, will continue to dampen the economic outlook for Quebec’s economy and its businesses.
In addition, the impacts of climate change are placing a heavy economic burden on populations and institutions that are calling for action for a cleaner and healthier environment. Revenue losses in Canada due to the increased frequency and severity of weather events could cause a significant decline in GDP in the coming years—even decades—with northern, coastal and resource-dependent communities, including rural and remote communities and Indigenous communities, being especially vulnerable. As such, the mobilization of Quebec businesses, particularly SMEs, and the ecosystems that support them is essential since they are important partners in the fight against climate change and the environmental transition of the economy.
Supplementary Information Tables
Details on transfer payment programs
Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP)
Start date
April 1, 2012
End date
Permanent
Type of transfer payment
Grants and contributions
Type of appropriation
Annual allocation of funds through the expenses budget
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2011-2012 (Amended in 2021-2022)
Link to departmental result(s)
Communities are economically diversified in Quebec
Link to the department's Program Inventory
The QEDP falls under the Community Vitality and Temporary or Targeted Support programs.
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The QEDP supports regional economic development and diversification and helps the regions pursue promising economic development opportunities going forward.
This program is also used to support the post-COVID economic recovery via the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and the Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative (MFESI).
CED is also expected to deliver the new Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund to support local communities and businesses affected by the storm and assist with long-term recovery efforts.
Small or medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are generally awarded repayable contributions, whereas non-profit organizations (NPOs) usually receive non‑repayable contributions.
Expected results
The QEDP will continue to target the following departmental result: “Communities are economically diversified in Quebec.”
A set of three indicators is used to measure CED’s progress with respect to the achievement of this departmental result. These indicators are primarily based on economic statistics (e.g., percentage of SMEs in Quebec that are majority-owned by women, Indigenous peoples, youth, visible minorities or persons with disabilities) and data from projects that received funding (e.g., amount leveraged per dollar invested in community projects). CED presents the most recent metrics for these indicators in its annual Departmental Results Report.
The fluctuation in outcomes can be attributed to a number of factors, including the economic context, which has been greatly affected by the pandemic; inflation; the labour shortage; and persistent disruptions in global supply chains. CED therefore expects to see variations in its results, although positive progress is anticipated over the long term.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation
In progress
Decision following the results of last evaluation
Not applicable
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation
2026-27
General targeted recipient groups
The main recipients of QEDP funding are as follows:
- non-profit organizations
- economic development organizations
- municipalities and regional county municipalities (RCMs)
- organizations tasked with attracting international organizations and foreign investment
- businesses with a local and regional reach
- groups of businesses
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients
CED’s 12 business offices continuously engage with key community players in order to remain abreast of the issues and challenges facing each of the regions of Quebec and to ensure that projects submitted by communities and businesses receive all the government support they require to be successful. Moreover, CED is able to adjust its intervention policies and parameters according to needs, as was the case in 2018 when the parameters of programs targeting Indigenous communities were eased to allow these communities to derive greater benefit more from CED funding. CED also pays particular attention to communities experiencing slower economic growth.
In addition, all CED clients are asked to fill in a satisfaction questionnaire upon completion of their project. This tool is a means of soliciting feedback from CED funding recipients about whether the Agency’s programs meet their needs.
Financial Information
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 forecast spending |
2023-24 planned spending |
2024-25 planned spending |
2025-26 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 100,000 | 1,500,000 | 1,500,000 | 1,500,000 |
| Total contributions | 249,895,957 | 130,943,033 | 37,067,882 | 34,431,430 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 249,995,957 | 132,443,033 | 38,567,882 | 35,931,430 |
Community Futures Program (CFP)
Start date
May 18, 1995
End date
Permanent program
Type of transfer payment
Contributions
Type of appropriation
Annual allocation of funds through the expenses budget
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2010-2011
Link to departmental result(s)
Communities are economically diversified in Quebec
Link to the department's Program Inventory
The CFP falls under the Vitality of Communities Program
Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program
The CFP supports local economic development and strengthens the capacity of rural communities to realize their full potential in a sustainable manner. The program’s main objectives are:
- stability, economic growth and job creation;
- diversified and competitive local economies in rural areas; and
- sustainable communities.
CFP funding targets non-profit community development organizations and their common structures (network, funds), which are awarded non‑repayable contributions.
Expected results
The CFP will continue to target the following departmental result: “Communities are economically diversified in Quebec.”
A set of three indicators is used to measure CED’s progress with respect to the achievement of this departmental result. These indicators are primarily based on economic statistics (e.g., percentage of SMEs in Quebec that are majority-owned by women, Indigenous peoples, youth, visible minorities or persons with disabilities) and data from projects that received funding (e.g., amount leveraged per dollar invested in community projects). CED presents the most recent metrics for these indicators in its annual Departmental Results Report.
The CFP is a national program delivered in Quebec by CED. It therefore has national indicators (e.g., the extent to which the growth in sales of CFP-assisted clients exceeds that of comparable unassisted firms, expressed in percentage points).
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation
2019-20
Decision following the results of last evaluation
The program was renewed and an action plan was deployed.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation
2024-25
General targeted recipient groups
The CFP provides financial assistance for Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs), Business Development Centres (BDCs) and the Network of CFDCs and BDCs.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients
In 2016, CED undertook an exercise to modernize the delivery of this program in Quebec. Carried out in conjunction with the organizations that receive funding under the program, this exercise culminated, in 2019, in the renewal of the agreements for a five‑year period, which included a review of area coverage, the funding model and the services provided by the organizations. CED works closely with the recipient organizations in measuring results and monitoring the implementation of agreements. Various joint working groups have been set up for this purpose, notably inter-RDA groups.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 forecast spending |
2023-24 planned spending |
2024-25 planned spending |
2025-26 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 33,427,175 | 33,427,175 | 33,427,175 | 33,427,175 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 33,427,175 | 33,427,175 | 33,427,175 | 33,427,175 |
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI)
Start date
October 18, 2018
End date
REGI - Permanent program
Type of transfer payment
Grants and Contributions
Type of appropriation
Annual allocation of funds through the expenses budget
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2018-2019
Link to departmental result(s)
Quebec businesses are innovative and growing Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Quebec
Link to the department's Program Inventory
The REGI program falls under the Regional Innovation and Temporary or Targeted Support programs.
Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program
The REGI is a national program that supports the economic growth of businesses through innovation. In Quebec, it is delivered by CED, taking into account the needs of Quebec businesses and regions. The REGI program has two streams:
(1) Business scale-up and productivity: CED fosters the development of businesses by helping them scale-up, be more productive and grow through innovation (adoption or adaptation of advanced technologies; demonstration; and commercialization and market development).
(2) Regional innovation ecosystems: CED also contributes to the creation of an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation by supporting the development of regional innovation ecosystems that meet the needs of businesses and foster their growth and competitiveness.
SMEs are awarded repayable contributions, whereas NPOs receive non-repayable contributions or grants.
CED is committed to helping to build a strong and inclusive economy. Through the REGI program, CED implements various initiatives in Quebec, including the Ecosystem Fund associated with the Black Entrepreneurship Program; the regional Infrastructure Development Initiative (IDI) in Quebec; regional quantum innovation (RQI); and the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund.
The REGI program is also being used to support the post-COVID economic recovery, via the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) and the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI).
Expected results
The REGI will continue to target the two following departmental results:
- Quebec businesses are innovative and growing
- Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Quebec
A set of six indicators is used to measure CED’s progress with respect to the achievement of these results. These indicators are primarily based on economic statistics (e.g., value of Quebec goods’ exports) and data from projects that received funding (e.g., revenue growth rate of businesses supported by CED programs). CED presents the most recent metrics for these indicators in its annual Departmental Results Report.
The fluctuation in outcomes can be attributed to a number of factors, including the economic context, which has been greatly affected by the pandemic; inflation; the labour shortage; and persistent disruptions in global supply chains; CED therefore expects to see variations in its results, although positive progress is anticipated over the long term.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation
Not applicable, considering the program was implemented in October 2018.
Decision following the results of last evaluation
Not applicable
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation
2023-24
General targeted recipient groups
The main recipients of REGI funding are:
- businesses
- groups of businesses
- organizations that support and provide services to businesses at various stages of their development to help them boost their growth, facilitate or improve their scale-up and develop their markets
- college centres for technology transfer (CCTTs)
- NPOs that provide services or generate benefits for businesses
- business incubators and accelerators
- municipalities and regional county municipalities (RCMs)
- groups and associations that may include NPOs, businesses, post-secondary institutions or consortiums
- Indigenous organizations
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients
CED’s 12 business offices continuously engage with key community players in order to remain abreast of the issues and challenges facing each of the regions of Quebec and to ensure that projects submitted by communities and businesses receive all the government support they require to be successful. CED places a particular emphasis on the development of regional innovation ecosystems to ensure that their respective areas of expertise help foster business growth.
In addition, all CED clients are asked to fill in a satisfaction questionnaire upon completion of their project. This tool is a means of soliciting feedback from CED funding recipients about whether the Agency’s programs meet their needs.
Financial Information
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 forecast spending |
2023-24 planned spending |
2024-25 planned spending |
2025-26 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 2,018,500 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 |
| Total contributions | 262,474,904 | 265,764,476 | 118,323,735 | 111,768,351 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 262,474,904 | 267,782,976 | 119,323,735 | 112,768,351 |
Gender-based analysis plus
General information
Institutional GBA Plus Capacity
In 2023–2024, CED will continue to support the implementation of the components of its GBA Plus framework with a view to strengthening its GBA Plus and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) institutional capacity in the development and implementation of its internal and external initiatives and approaches when intervening on behalf of its clients. To this end, CED will take action on three levels:
-
Incorporation into programs and decision-making processes: CED’s GBA Plus Coordination Centre is composed of a champion and two resource persons who ensure the incorporation of GBA Plus into CED’s decision-making processes and program design, implementation and evaluation activities in order to take into account and report on the potential impact on the population, including under-represented groups in the regions of Quebec. For example, the Centre will continue to expand the Network of EDI Ambassadors, an internal community of practice established in 2021 to better operationalize EDI in the delivery of its programs across the 12 business offices.
Furthermore, to identify best practices and opportunities for continuous improvement in the implementation of GBA Plus and EDI in program administration, CED actively participates in a number of forums and committees, namely the:
• GBA Plus Interdepartmental Committee (Women and Gender Equality Canada)
• Federal network for the advancement of gender equality in Quebec and Nunavut (Women and Gender Equality Canada)
• Strategic policy committee for the Montréal Inclusive au travail strategy (Bureau d’intégration des nouveaux arrivants à Montréal)
• EDI working group (inter-RDA)
• Women Entrepreneurship Interdepartmental Steering Committee (ISED)
• Human Trafficking Taskforce (Public Safety Canada) -
Data, reports and evaluations: CED continues to identify opportunities to better integrate and adopt GBA Plus and EDI best practices for data collection and analysis and target and indicator tracking, and their integration into research and program evaluation activities. For example:
- CED is collaborating with McGill University’s Policy Lab on a research project, for which a report is expected to come out in July 2023 outlining regional economic development models that incorporate EDI principles to better contribute to innovation and growth in the regions of Quebec.
- CED will begin analyzing the data from its new EDI approach for its clients, adopted in 2022–2023, in order to better understand the progress made by businesses and their needs in terms of incorporating EDI into their organizational practices to boost their resilience and competitiveness.
- CED will evaluate the recommendations related to GBA Plus in the five-year evaluation of the QEDP and the REGI program planned for 2023–2024 -
Staff awareness and training: CED will continue to enhance the GBA-Plus capacity of its workforce by means of targeted communications; mandatory staff participation in the course given by Women and Gender Equality Canada (Introduction to GBA Plus); and various outreach activities such as lectures and panels or Tea & TED talks on EDI-related topics.
Highlights of GBA Plus Results Reporting Capacity by Program
Regional Innovation
a) Is sufficient data collected under this program to allow for the monitoring and/or reporting of program impacts as concerns gender and diversity (GBA Plus)?
Yes. The data collected by CED for this priority makes it possible to monitor and report on the impact of the program as concerns gender and diversity and to identify potential gaps in program accessibility for various under-represented groups in the regions of Quebec. As of 2018‑2019, in accordance with the Departmental Results Framework approved by Treasury Board in 2017, CED began establishing performance measurement targets for assisted SMEs that are owned by various under-represented groups.
CED also tracks a number of GBA Plus indicators by means of a self‑reporting form; these include: 1) the number and value of projects carried out by SMEs and NPOs majority-owned or led by women, youth, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada and immigrants, or persons with disabilities; or by members of official language minority communities (OLMCs), black communities, racialized communities or 2ELGBTQI+ communities; and 2) the number and value of projects that directly support the above-mentioned under-represented groups.
b) If yes, please describe (as relevant) any notable initiatives designed to expand the program’s capacity to report on impacts in terms of gender, diversity and timing.
Through its EDI approach introduced in 2022–2023, CED aims to refine its understanding of how its clients incorporate EDI into their internal practices. The data collected will provide the organization with a clearer idea of progress made by clients in this regard, and will help CED determine how to better support their needs. This data will be in addition to data for statistical purposes already sought in the self-reporting form for the purpose of obtaining a clearer picture of the impact of the various programs and initiatives.
Community Vitality
a) Is sufficient data collected under this program to allow for the monitoring and/or reporting of program impacts as concerns gender and diversity (GBA Plus)?
Yes. The data collected by CED for this priority makes it possible to monitor and report on the impact of the program as concerns gender and diversity and to identify potential gaps in program accessibility for various under-represented groups in the regions of Quebec. As of 2018 2019, in accordance with the Departmental Results Framework approved by Treasury Board in 2017, CED began establishing performance measurement targets for assisted SMEs that are owned by various under-represented groups.
CED also tracks a number of GBA Plus indicators by means of a self-reporting form; these include: 1) the number and value of projects carried out by SMEs and NPOs majority-owned or led by women, youth, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada and immigrants, or persons with disabilities; or by members of official language minority communities (OLMCs), black communities, racialized communities or 2ELGBTQI+ communities; and 2) the number and value of projects that directly support the above-mentioned under-represented groups.
b) If yes, please describe (as relevant) any notable initiatives designed to expand the program’s capacity to report on impacts in terms of gender, diversity and timing.
Through its EDI approach introduced in 2022–2023, CED aims to refine its understanding of how its clients incorporate EDI into their internal practices. The data collected will provide the organization with a clearer idea of progress made by clients in this regard, and will help CED determine how to better support their needs. This data will be in addition to data for statistical purposes already sought in the self-reporting form for the purpose of obtaining a clearer picture of the impact of the various programs and initiatives.
Furthermore, the findings of the five-year review of the QEDP and the REGI program will allow CED to identify potential gaps and opportunities in terms of GBA Plus.
Targeted or Temporary Support
a) Is sufficient data collected under this program to allow for the monitoring and/or reporting of program impacts as concerns gender and diversity (GBA Plus)?
Yes. The data collected by CED for this priority makes it possible to monitor and report on the impact of the program as concerns gender and diversity and to identify potential gaps in program accessibility for various under-represented groups in the regions of Quebec. As of 2018 2019, in accordance with the Departmental Results Framework approved by Treasury Board in 2017, CED began establishing performance measurement targets for assisted SMEs that are owned by various under-represented groups.
CED also tracks a number of GBA Plus indicators by means of a self reporting form; these include: 1) the number and value of projects carried out by SMEs and NPOs majority-owned or led by women, youth, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada and immigrants, or persons with disabilities; or by members of official language minority communities (OLMCs), black communities, racialized communities or 2ELGBTQI+ communities; and 2) the number and value of projects that directly support the above-mentioned under-represented groups.CED will continue to contribute to national targets established collectively by the RDAs for under-represented groups, for each of the following recovery initiatives announced in Budget 2021 and for which it was logical and feasible to do so based on objectives and the target clientele:
- the TRF for all under-represented groups;
- the JGF for all under-represented groups; and
- the ARRI, which has employment targets for women working in this specialized sector.
b) If yes, please describe (as relevant) any notable initiatives designed to expand the program’s capacity to report on impacts in terms of gender, diversity and timing.
Through its EDI approach introduced in 2022–2023, CED aims to refine its understanding of how its clients incorporate EDI into their internal practices. The data collected will provide the organization with a clearer idea of progress made by clients in this regard, and will help CED determine how to better support their needs. This data will be in addition to data for statistical purposes already sought in the self-reporting form for the purpose of obtaining a clearer picture of the impact of the various programs and initiatives.
Internal services
NA
United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
| United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Planned initiatives |
Associated national ambitions or targets and/or global targets |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all |
The programs listed below aim to promote continued and sustainable economic growth by fostering business development, local economic development, and the economic vitality of communities. In doing so, they have a positive impact on businesses and their rate of growth, job creation, and even per capita GDP growth. Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP), including the following initiatives:
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI), including the following temporary initiatives: Community Futures Program (CFP): The CFP supports local economic development and strengthens the capacity of communities to realize their full potential in a sustainable manner. |
Global target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries. Global target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors. Global target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services. Global target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and ensure decent work for all women and men, including young people and people with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. Global target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. Canadian Indicator Framework (CIC) ambitions for SDG 8:
|
|
SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation |
The program below helps promote sustainable industrialization that benefits everyone through rational resource use and greater reliance on clean and environmentally friendly infrastructure, technologies and processes. The REGI program, including the following temporary initiatives:
|
Global target 9.4: Global Target By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities. Canadian Indicator Framework (CIC) ambitions for SDG 9:
|
|
SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries |
The programs below help reduce inequality and disparity in terms of economic opportunities in the regions of Quebec:
|
Global target 10.2: Global Target By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. Canadian Indicator Framework (CIC) ambition for SDG 10:
|
|
SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable |
The program below aims to channel assistance to all small communities and rural, urban and remote communities in order to build strong and inclusive communities.
|
Global target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities. Canadian Indicator Framework (CIC) ambition for SDG 11:
|
For questions related to this Supplementary Information Table, please contact the SDG Unit at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC): Programme2030-2030Agenda@canada.gc.ca