News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The call for applications for the Quebec-New Brunswick Innovation and Marketing Award is officially open.

The award, which was launched in 2019 during the Rendez-vous Acadie-Québec under the economic component of the Congrès mondial acadien, includes a bursary valued at about $2,500, as well as a special package for the Rendez-vous Acadie-Québec 2021. The bursary is designed to provide access to entrepreneurship training in French in an institution of the company’s choice in New Brunswick or Quebec.

The award is given out every two years to a New Brunswick and a Quebec company that have most distinguished themselves in marketing using innovative approaches in addition to doing business in French in the two provinces.

“The development of our respective markets, marketing, and innovation are at the heart of the economic development co-operation efforts of our two governments,” said Glen Savoie, minister responsible for La Francophonie. “I join my counterpart, Minister Lebel, in encouraging New Brunswick companies to apply for the Innovation and Marketing Award. We will be pleased to learn more about their entrepreneurial success and to highlight them.”

The objective of the award is to:

• encourage innovation and export as growth factors;

• make the francophone business community in the two provinces aware of interprovincial trade opportunities;

• promote innovative products and services targeting the Quebec and New Brunswick markets.

“I am pleased to announce the opening of the call for applications for the Innovation and Marketing Award along with Mr. Savoie,” said Quebec Treasury Board President Sonia LeBel, who is also minister responsible for Canadian relations and the Canadian Francophonie. “I invite Quebec companies to apply in large numbers, which will help to enhance the strength of our trade with New Brunswick and underscore the importance of doing business in French. By pooling our expertise we have the opportunity to grow and promote Quebec’s entrepreneurial sector, while learning from our neighbours. Good luck to all participating companies, and I hope to see you at the Rendez-vous Acadie-Québec.”

The winners will officially receive their prizes at the eighth Rendez-vous Acadie-Québec, planned for September in Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec., in accordance with public health measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Companies wishing to participate must have been established in New Brunswick or Quebec for at least a year at the time of application. They must submit an offer of services in French, including, for example, an advertising plan and a full presentation of activities and services they offer on their website. The companies must also have an interprovincial trade strategy.

They have until May 21 to apply by sending a completed application form, a cover letter and the required supporting documents at [email protected].

The award is organized in co-operation with the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick and the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, with the collaboration of InnovExport PME.