Month: May 2026

Montmagny, May 28, 2026 – Gathered for their 2025–2026 Annual General Meeting, the board members, partners, and collaborators of the Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet highlighted another successful year marked by outstanding results, strong community engagement, and concrete actions implemented to support businesses across the region.

 

In a challenging financial climate characterized by market fluctuations, rising living costs, pressures on local businesses, and uncertainties surrounding tariffs and trade, the CAE continued to fulfill its mission with agility. Through its three core areas of activity — financing, business support, and local economic development — the organization expanded its efforts to assist entrepreneurs and contribute to economic growth throughout Montmagny–L’Islet.

 

On the financing side, the CAE approved 35 loans across various sectors in the Montmagny–L’Islet region, generating total investments exceeding $9 million. Authorized investments were primarily distributed among the service sector (60%), agriculture (14%), commercial businesses (14%), and manufacturing (12%), reflecting the vitality of the local economy. Supported projects mainly involved business modernization (34%), acquisitions (28%), expansion projects (23%), start-ups (9%), and business consolidation initiatives (6%).

 

In terms of local economic development, the CAE contributed to the implementation of 10 new initiatives across Montmagny–L’Islet, in addition to its recurring projects, with the goal of mobilizing the entrepreneurial community and encouraging collaboration among entrepreneurs, social economy business managers, municipalities, and regional partners. Among the highlights of the past year were the following achievements:

• Innovation Rendezvous: 75 participants and 44 businesses and organizations involved
• Workforce and regional attractiveness initiatives: 4 events held with participation from more than 60 businesses
• Networking and inspiring entrepreneurial journeys: 5 events and more than 100 participants
• Local purchasing initiatives: 2 campaigns reaching more than 200 businesses
• Showcasing local businesses: 2 campaigns, 22 promotional video capsules released, and 24 businesses featured
• Entrepreneurial awards and recognition events: 4 events bringing together more than 780 participants
• Tourism initiatives: participation in 3 committees, organization of 2 events, and outreach to 209 businesses
• Entrepreneurial skills development: 6 training sessions organized by the CAE, more than 12 hours of training delivered, and 139 participants reached

 

The 2025–2026 year was also marked by a strong commitment to maintaining close relationships with members of the local business community. Board Chair Mr. Denis Lavoie undertook a tour of CAE client businesses alongside members of the organization’s team in order to remain attentive to the priorities and needs of the business community. Through its initiatives, the CAE continues its mission of supporting a strong, innovative, and sustainable local economy for the benefit of entrepreneurs throughout Montmagny–L’Islet.

 

“It is also important to highlight the stability and commitment of our staff, as well as the ongoing involvement of our Board of Directors, both of which are essential to the quality of support provided to entrepreneurs,” stated Ms. Mireille Thibault, General Manager of CAE Montmagny–L’Islet.

 

“At a time when challenges continue to grow and the financial environment is evolving rapidly, we believe more than ever in the importance of working together, remaining present in the field, and providing concrete support to our entrepreneurs. The CAE remains committed to offering solutions tailored to the realities faced by business owners. Collaboration, innovation, and close connections with entrepreneurs will continue to guide us in the years ahead,” concluded Mr. Denis Lavoie, Chair of the Board of Directors of CAE Montmagny–L’Islet.

 

The CAE is now entering the third year of its five-year agreement with Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, a partnership that remains essential to maintaining its services.

 

Canada Economic Developpement for Quebec Regions supports the CAE.

In the photo, from left to right, front row: Chantal Blanchette, Board Member; Mireille Thibault, Executive Director; and Lily Nadeau, Vice-Chair. Back row: Xavier Bernier, Secretary; Normand Blier, Treasurer; Denis Lavoie, Chair; and Rémi Dion, Board Member.

Montmagny, May 20, 2026 — C.A.R.E. Montmagny–L’Islet, in collaboration with the Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet, the MRC of Montmagny and the MRC of L’Islet, is proud to announce the launch of the first edition of the Montmagny–L’Islet Manufacturing Open House Events, which will take place throughout 2026. This initiative is made possible through financial support from the Government of Québec.

 

The open house events will be held on Saturday, June 13, Saturday, September 19, and Saturday, October 3, 2026. These dates were selected to reach different audiences at strategic times throughout the year.

This new initiative aims to introduce the general public, students, job seekers and individuals considering a career change to the richness, diversity and innovation of the manufacturing sector across both MRCs, while also fostering direct connections between businesses and potential workers.

 

Six Manufacturing Companies Opening Their Doors

As part of this first edition, six manufacturing companies from the MRCs of Montmagny and L’Islet have volunteered to participate, ensuring equal representation from both territories. On each event date, visitors will have the opportunity to explore local workplaces firsthand, discover products manufactured in the region, learn about the technologies used, and explore employment opportunities available locally.

 

The Montmagny–L’Islet manufacturing companies that visitors will have the opportunity to discover over the coming months — Teknion, Amisco, Ressorts Liberté, Matériaux Blanchet, Marquis Imprimeur and Groupe LG Cloutier — showcase the sector’s vitality by manufacturing products for clients locally, across Canada and, for many, internationally.

 

C.A.R.E. Montmagny–L’Islet will support participating companies throughout the project, particularly with activity coordination, regional promotion and partner mobilization. Participating businesses will continue to play a central role in welcoming visitors, while receiving support to facilitate each stage of the organization process.

 

A Concrete Workforce Development Initiative

Each participating company will welcome visitors in order to:

• break down misconceptions about the manufacturing sector;
• raise awareness of manufacturing trades and work environments;
• spark interest in stable and evolving career opportunities;
• support workforce recruitment and retention

 

This first edition of the Manufacturing Open House Events is part of a broader collective effort to strengthen regional pride in the manufacturing sector and support local economic development.

 

In the photo, front row from left to right: Marc Duchesne (Matériaux Blanchet), Stéphanie Gingras (Ressorts Liberté), Valérie Rancourt-Grenier (Groupe LG Cloutier). In the background, from left to right: Christine Talbot et Mireille Thibault (Centre d’aide aux entreprises Montmagny-L’Islet), Sylvain Thiboutot (MRC de L’Islet), Sonia Proulx (Centre d’aide en recherche d’emploi Montmagny-L’Islet) et Martine Leullier (MRC de Montmagny). Absents sur la photo : Annie Beaumont (Amisco) et Martin Pelletier (Teknion).

Montmagny, May 13, 2026 — The MRC of Montmagny and the MRC of L’Islet, together with their partners — the Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny–L’Islet, the Kamouraska–L’Islet Chamber of Commerce, the Montmagny MRC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chaudière-Appalaches Économique PME Innovation Hub — are pleased with the tremendous success of the second edition of the Rendez-vous innovation Montmagny–L’Islet, held on May 13 at the Espace citoyen de Montmagny.

Made possible through financial support from the Government of Quebec, this half-day event dedicated to industrial artificial intelligence in business brought together more than 65 participants from across the region to learn, exchange ideas, and discover practical applications of digital technologies within their business environments.

The highlight of the morning was undoubtedly the dynamic panel discussion featuring speakers from the industrial sector: Mr. Benoit Cormier of GLM Conseil, Mr. Benoit Risi of Prolam in Cap-Saint-Ignace, and Mr. James Gagné of UMANO Médical in L’Islet. They shared their experiences, lessons learned, and perspectives on integrating artificial intelligence into manufacturing operations.

The two training sessions offered were also highly appreciated by participants: AI in Manufacturing: From Reflection to Results and Using AI for Human Resources and Project Management. Designed to meet real-world business needs, the sessions provided practical, hands-on content directly applicable to businesses, helping entrepreneurs better understand the opportunities for integrating artificial intelligence into their processes. Participants left inspired and better equipped, with practical solutions and ideas to begin or continue integrating industrial AI into their organizations at their own pace.

The success of such an event is rooted in the remarkable synergy among economic development stakeholders in Montmagny–L’Islet. By combining their expertise and networks, the partners demonstrated a shared commitment: supporting businesses in the region at every stage of their development and strengthening their capacity for innovation.

At the heart of this mobilization are the entrepreneurs, who remain the top priority for the region’s committed partners. Together, we continue to pursue a clear objective: providing businesses with the tools, knowledge, and collaboration opportunities needed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

A photo of the organizing committee is also available.

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions financially supports the CAE Montmagny–L’Islet.

Montmagny, April 20, 2026 – The second edition of the Destination manufacturière Montmagny–L’Islet Manufacturing Careers Fair was held on Wednesday, April 15, at Saint-Paul High School in Saint-Paul-de-Montminy. The event brought together more than 400 Secondary 2 students and students from specialized educational pathways from the four high schools across the Montmagny–L’Islet region. It was a day filled with discovery, meaningful exchanges, and inspiration.

This event was made possible through the support of valued financial partners, including Desjardins – Caisse de la MRC de Montmagny, the official presenter; Mathieu Rivest, Member of the National Assembly for Côte-du-Sud; as well as the collaboration of the MRC of Montmagny and the MRC of L’Islet as Silver partners; and Bernard Généreux, Member of Parliament for Côte-du-Sud – Rivière-du-Loup – Kataskomiq – Témiscouata, Bronze partner.

Nearly 25 booths were featured at the event, including manufacturing companies as well as Carrefour Région Montmagny, Carrefour jeunesse-emploi Région L’Islet, and the MRC of Montmagny, helping diversify the experience offered to students. New this year was the addition of education and training booths, including the Centre de formation professionnelle de l’Envolée, the Centre de formation agricole de St-Anselme, and Sakado, allowing students to better understand the educational pathways leading to the many careers presented.

Throughout their visit, students explored the fair using a Passport activity tool designed to encourage interaction and discovery. They also attended a dynamic panel discussion hosted by two students from Saint-Paul High School, featuring authentic and inspiring testimonials about the realities of the manufacturing sector.

“The success of this second edition confirms the importance and relevance of such an event for our community. Providing young people with concrete opportunities to discover local manufacturing careers, connect with passionate workers, and envision their future directly contributes to building an engaged next generation that is proud of its region. At a time when demographic challenges are very real, it is essential that we work together to inspire youth and highlight the many opportunities available to them here in our region,” stated the organizing committee jointly.

This project was made possible through the collaboration and dedication of the organizing committee, composed of the Centre d’aide aux entreprises (CAE) Montmagny-L’Islet, the Centre d’aide et de recherche d’emploi (CARE) Montmagny-L’Islet, the Centre de services scolaire de la Côte-du-Sud, Carrefour jeunesse-emploi Région L’Islet, and Carrefour Région Montmagny.

Canada Economic Developpement for Quebec Regions supports the CAE.

A photo of the organizing committee accompanied by our main financial partner, Desjardins Caisse de Montmagny, is also available.