Gatineau, May 12, 2020. – Ville de Gatineau is awarding a $123,105 subsidy for the preparation of an action plan promoting regional purchasing. This support comes on top of all the measures set in place by Gatineau for businesses in connection with COVID-19.
Quick facts
| ● | The first phase of the project will involve developing and implementing a buy regional promotion campaign. This will be done in synergy with local economic partners and merchants and entrepreneurs in the Outaouais. |
| ● | The second phase will involve setting up a digital transactional platform for businesses in Gatineau and the Outaouais. This platform will be complementary to the Quebec government's blue basket (Panier Bleu). |
| ● | Given its regional scope, the project is being coordinated by Espace d'accélération et de croissance de l'Outaouais (Espace-O, under Cilex). Espace-O is overseeing the economic development tactical intervention committee that was set up by Gatineau at the outset of the crisis. |
| ● | As you may recall, Gatineau set up an economic development tactical intervention committee to support local businesses grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.
- With the support of several partners, it was initially designed to respond to the most pressing needs of businesses.
- Since the committee was set up, an action plan has been developed, and several initiatives have been introduced in support of the local economy. |
Quotes
“This unique crisis we are going through is affecting several businesses throughout the territory. This project comes on top of the measures that have already been set in place to help our entrepreneurs and stimulate our economy. I invite all of you to stand together and keep encouraging our local businesses. More than ever, we need to spend locally!” indicated Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has generated significant interest in buying local. In this context, it is advisable to implement the action plan swiftly. Promoting buy local will enable our businesses to benefit from our money to maintain their activities. Ultimately, this project will help boost our local economy,” noted Jean-François LeBlanc, Chair of the Commission de développement économique and councillor for the Lac-Beauchamp district.
“Espace-O is pleased to bring together several organizations in the Outaouais for this major mobilizing project to valorize different shopping initiatives. It focuses on the pride with which residents invest in their community. It will help consumers who want to support our economy by buying locally. This major buy local campaign also aims to support the surge we have seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be a way to valorize businesses in the Outaouais and to spread their reputation throughout the region. It will be launched in early June in collaboration with several members of the economic ecosystem,” stated Martin A. Roy, Executive Director of Cilex, which oversees Espace-O.
Associated links
Economic Development
ID Gatineau
Quebec Government
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Latest update on COVID-19 (City of Gatineau Website)
CILEX
Chambre de commerce de Gatineau
Export Outaouais
Tourisme Outaouais
Coopérative de développement régional (CDR) Outaouais-Laurentides (CDROL)
Culture Outaouais
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COVID-19 – Gatineau setting up an economic development tactical intervention committee
