Tashi Farmilo

The Gatineau Chamber of Commerce and Soudure Marc Marine are set to benefit from a major federal investment aimed at strengthening the Outaouais economy. The two organizations will receive a combined $2.32 million from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (DEC), a move designed to promote business growth, innovation, and market diversification.

At a press conference on February 17, attended by government officials and business leaders, Minister of Employment and Workforce Development Steven MacKinnon, announced the funding as part of a broader effort to support regional economic development. Soudure Marc Marine, a company specializing in metal structures and marine repairs, will receive $1.75 million to expand its facilities and invest in state-of-the-art equipment. The Gatineau Chamber of Commerce will receive $570,000 to support Export Outaouais, an initiative that helps businesses explore new export markets.

“Supporting the growth and innovation of our local businesses is essential to ensuring the economic prosperity of the Outaouais,” MacKinnon said. “With these investments, we are enabling Soudure Marc Marine to modernize its facilities and the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce to continue supporting businesses in new markets. This support will not only strengthen the competitiveness of the Outaouais but also create quality jobs and boost our local economy.”

The announcement follows an additional $1.08 million investment in Export Outaouais, provided jointly by DEC and the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy (MEIE). Of that amount, $570,000 comes from DEC to continue supporting regional businesses in diversifying their export markets, while $510,000 from MEIE will be used to promote international business development and provide companies with export-oriented tools and guidance.

For Soudure Marc Marine, the funding will help drive a significant expansion project. The company has been in continuous growth for 37 years and is now investing in a new building and automation technology, bringing the total cost of the project to $10 million. “We are a company in constant expansion,” said Marc Lauzon of Soudure Marc Marine. “To better meet the needs of our vast clientele in the Capitale-Nationale region, we have chosen to invest in a new building and the automation of our operations with cutting-edge technology. Thanks to financial support from various levels of government, as well as the backing of ID Gatineau and Desjardins, this project will become a reality. We sincerely thank them for their support.”

The company’s commitment to modernization aligns with the government’s goal of ensuring that Quebec businesses remain competitive in the evolving industrial landscape. Officials emphasized that investments like this not only create jobs but also help local businesses strengthen their position in national and international markets. The Gatineau Chamber of Commerce, through its Export Outaouais program, will use its share of the funding to assist businesses looking to expand beyond Quebec. The organization provides guidance, mentorship, and resources to help companies develop their export strategies.

“This support is a game-changer for businesses looking to grow beyond provincial borders,” said Étienne Fredette, director general of the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce. “Exporting is a key driver of economic success, and these funds will ensure that Outaouais businesses have the tools and resources they need to seize new opportunities.”