Government of Canada awards $600,000 in financial assistance to mmode, the Metropolitan Fashion Cluster

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 17, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Businesses need to be able to rely on adequate resources to support innovation and commercialize research and development products, from concept to design to market. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative Canadian enterprises and the organizations that support them. As a true economic driver, innovation is the key to success in that it generates growth that benefits businesses and communities.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie and Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announced that mmode, the Metropolitan Fashion Cluster has been granted $600,000 in financial assistance over the next three years, in the form of a non-repayable contribution, to continue to help industry actors become more competitive and grow through innovation and exports.

The mmode Cluster is a non-profit organization whose mission is to rally and unite Quebec fashion industry players, whose four main pillars are designers, manufacturers, wholesalers-distributors and retailers. The mmode Cluster is also mandated to create business and innovation synergies and to help improve the competitiveness and growth of this ecosystem. The funding granted through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program will help mmode, the Metropolitan Fashion Cluster build its network promote Quebec fashion industry outreach, stimulate innovation and help innovative SMEs in the industry market their products internationally and enhance their competitiveness.

Quotes

"The Metropolitan Fashion Cluster wants to become a world-class cluster and position Montréal as one of the most highly regarded fashion cities in the world by promoting the industry's know-how and capacity for innovation. The Government of Canada is standing by its commitments by helping innovative SMEs in the fashion industry that are building on innovation and want to expand and export their products and services, thus ensuring the prosperity of the Canadian economy."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie and Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville

"The Government of Canada is helping businesses and sectors of the Canadian economy by making investments that enhance their productivity and make them more competitive in export markets. We are proud to invest in the mmode Cluster, whose partnership is closely aligned with our commitments."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"Since the creation of the mmode Cluster in 2015, we have established a solid base and built our pride as a creative innovative industry, and our credibility with governments has continued to grow. One of our challenges as an industry was to establish relationships with governments, so getting support from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is a clear indicator that our Cluster is here to stay. Montréal has what it takes to succeed, and if we work together to support our business succession, Montréal's fashion industry will regain its leadership position in Canada."

François Roberge, CEO, La Vie en Rose and Chair, Board of Directors of mmode, the Metropolitan Fashion Cluster

"Our motto at the mmode Cluster is: 'If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' Thanks to our valuable public and private partnerships, we have been able to implement promising projects that are stimulating growth in Montréal's fashion industry. This partnership with Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions will help the mmode Cluster continue to develop and launch innovative initiatives over the next three years to make local businesses more competitive and position Montréal as an international fashion mecca."

Debbie Zakaib, Director General, mmode, the Metropolitan Fashion Cluster

Quick facts

• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• This year marks the 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.
• For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018–19 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

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