Government Backs Francophone Innovation: Collège La Cité Receives Funding Boost

In a significant move aimed at supporting Francophone communities and stimulating economic growth, the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), has announced an investment exceeding $3 million in Collège La Cité. This funding is intended to extend the institution’s services to communities across southern Ontario and provide targeted support to over 80 entrepreneurs.

Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier, representing Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, unveiled this investment, emphasizing the importance of nurturing Francophone academia and businesses to unlock Canada’s economic potential. The initiative aligns with the spirit of la Journée internationale de la Francophonie, commemorated on March 20, recognizing the significant contributions of Francophones to Canada’s heritage.

Collège La Cité, being Ontario’s largest French-language post-secondary institution, plans to utilize the investment to offer entrepreneurs access to cutting-edge facilities, expert researchers, and business coaching. The focus areas for support include bio-innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, food processing, and clean technology.

Moreover, the college aims to deliver specialized coaching and training to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout southern Ontario, with particular attention to businesses led by women and newcomers. The objective is to enhance productivity and competitiveness through sustainable business practices, thereby fostering resilience in a green economy.

Anticipated outcomes from this investment include support for over 80 entrepreneurs and the commercialization of more than 10 new products. By equipping businesses with essential resources and expertise, the project seeks to enhance southern Ontario’s competitiveness and facilitate the integration of advanced technologies.

FedDev Ontario remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and organizations in Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs), enabling them to thrive in a sustainable and inclusive economy.

Key stakeholders expressed their optimism about the investment. Honourable Filomena Tassi commended Collège La Cité for its role in fostering productivity and competitiveness for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Honourable Mona Fortier highlighted the potential for innovation, technological advancement, and job creation across southern Ontario. Lise Bourgeois, President and CEO of Collège La Cité, expressed gratitude for the funding, emphasizing its role in driving socio-economic development and vitality within Francophone communities.

The significance of Collège La Cité as a hub for Francophone education and innovation is underscored by its status as the largest French-language college of applied arts and technology in Canada outside Quebec. With over 180 post-secondary programs and a strong commitment to Francophone culture, the college continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of southern Ontario’s economy.

The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts by FedDev Ontario to support Francophone-led businesses and organizations, with previous investments totaling over $125 million since November 2015, resulting in the creation and maintenance of over 6,400 jobs.