On March 16 Chatel announced that all three Sociétés d’aide, au développement des collectivités (SADCs) in the Outaouais region are receiving a non-repayable contribution of $390,000 to help small and medium enterprises go green as part of an initiative they are calling the Green shift program. The funding was on behalf of the Minister of Sports and Minister responsible . . .

for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), Pascale St-Onge.

“The development of our small and medium business is crucial if we want to sustain the green economy of tomorrow,” said Chatel at the media event.

This funding will allow the SADC to help businesses in the region improve their environmental and economic performance and assist communities with local economic projects that promote sustainable development.

The two areas that were identified in order for a business to be successful are being digital and ensuring businesses have access to high speed internet, pointed out Chatel, and reducing their carbon footprint to ensure their business is economically sustainable.

“It’s important because whether we like it or not, there is a global transition towards the green economy,” said Chatel.

This funding aims to support projects that small or medium businesses have and assist them in adopting environmentally responsible practices and clean technologies.

Chatel also highlighted that a lot of the time the green initiatives and ideas come from the business themselves. “They see climate change, we don’t need to explain it anymore. They also see the trend in more digital and more green. The initiatives are there, and our job is to make sure they’re successful,” she said.

The funding is focused on small and medium businesses because most large businesses are already there, noted Chatel. Therefore with the SADC and the Government of Canada, she hopes that they can help position businesses and offer them support and ensure they have the best chance at succeeding.

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