This programme provides support to local economic actors, and is involved in workshops, enhancing competitiveness, and productivity in small and medium-sized enterprises.

After the economic crisis in Canada of 1982-83, several major industrial companies went bankrupt, or severely reduced the number of employees. In Montreal, unemployment figures ranged from 15% up to 30%, and interest rates exceeded 20%. Local actors took action engaging in economic and social development to redevelop their districts by founding the Community Economic Development Organisations (CDEC - corporations de developpement économique communautaire) to enhance local economic growth and employment opportunities.

Currently almost every district in Montreal has its own CDEC. The city and the federal government financially support its work. This takes place in several fields: first priority is to support various institutions and programmes important for metropolitan districts. Second, the programme provides support to local economic actors, and is involved in workshops, enhancing competitiveness, and productivity in small and medium-sized enterprises. Development of technological enterprises is fostered through cooperating with research institutes and universities. Last but not least, an important focus is placed on integrating inhabitants into economic development by offering information services and helping to secure financial autonomy and well-being.

By including a variety of social, civil, and economic actors in the economic development of the city, many projects were realised.

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Table of contents

• Background and objectives
• Implementation
• Financing and resources
• Results and impacts
• Barriers and conflicts
• Lessons learned and transferability
• References
• Case study basics
• City information
• Image Gallery