Mr. Speaker, last Friday, the Canadian government announced $10.5 million in comprehensive financial assistance to implement approximately 20 projects related to new information technologies and new media in the greater Montreal area.
A first financial contribution was made to Behaviour Communications Inc. This $9 million contribution will generate investments totaling $30 million and the creation of 200 new jobs.
Eighteen businesses sponsored by the multimedia consortium CESAM were granted $1.5 million out of the multimedia experimentation fund. This government support is provided as seed money for new businesses.
It goes without saying that governments and their private sector partners must work together to create conditions conducive to attracting highly skilled labour to Montreal and curbing the drain of talents and skilled resources.
The Canadian government encourages Quebec initiatives and ensures that our businesses can assume their rightful place.