Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, April 3, the Secretary of State responsible for Canada Economic Development announced the renewal of a three year agreement designed to promote exports from businesses in the Abitibi—Témiscamingue.
This funding agreement, which is the result of a successful initial partnership, will allow 48th Nord International to carry on its support activities for small and medium size businesses from the Abitibi—Témiscamingue, in order to, among other initiatives, increase the number of small and medium size exporting businesses, while developing new markets and thereby promoting job creation.
As we know, our country's increased competitiveness impacts significantly on Canadians' quality of life. Canada's growth and prosperity depend directly on an increase in its exports and, in this sense, the Canadian government's efforts have produced impressive results. Indeed, over the past few years, our country has enjoyed a marked increase in its exports.
This is another actual example of our government's initiatives to ensure the economic development of the regions of Quebec.