Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Pontiac--Gatineau--Labelle for his question.
In 1997, Economic Development Canada was already addressing the issue, setting up the EDC strategy in co-operation with the CFDC.
Since then, the agency has invested almost $26 million, benefiting more than 1,500 young entrepreneurs. Some 4,580 jobs have been created or maintained in various communities throughout Quebec.
All told, there has been $102 million in investments created thanks to co-operation by the Government of Canada.