Announcement of the finalists for the 3rd edition of the Prix du commerce Ontario-Québec en francophonie!
Toronto and Montréal, March 22, 2024 — The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and the Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario (FGA) are pleased to announce the finalists for the 3rd edition of the Prix du commerce Ontario-Québec en francophonie.
Launched at the Grande Rencontre 2021, this award recognizes the excellence of French-speaking companies that are committed to the French language and culture in business, and that have distinguished themselves interprovincially through their significant contribution to increasing trade between Ontario and Quebec. Two awards are presented each year, one to an Ontario company and the other to a Quebec company.
The Quebec finalists are Les Équipements Lapierre (Saint-Ludger), Interprétation signes et paroles (Gatineau) and Dieu Du Ciel ! (Montreal).
The Ontario finalists are Hybrid Power Solutions (Etobicoke), Ori-krea (Toronto) and Escouade multimédia (Hawkesbury).
“Exchanges between the Quebec and Ontario entrepreneurial communities will always be an asset to our interprovincial relations, especially when it comes to Francophone economic relations between Quebec and Ontario. Celebrating business excellence and the French-speaking world is crucial, and we’re proud to be able to count on dynamic companies like these. This third edition cements the importance of this commitment” – Charles Milliard, President and CEO of the FCCQ.
“The Prix du commerce Ontario-Québec en francophonie reflects the broad potential of bilateral economic relations between our two provinces, and the role played by the sharing of a common language in establishing trade corridors that can lead to fruitful business relationships. In partnership with the FCCQ, the FGA is proud to organize this contest again this year, which contributes to the development of strong commercial ties between Ontario and Quebec. We look forward to welcoming the finalists to Toronto on April 25 for the award ceremony, which will be held as part of the Franco-Ontarian Business Forum.” – Dominic Mailloux, President of the FGA.
“The Quebec government is once again a proud partner of the Prix du commerce Ontario-Québec en francophonie. This is an opportunity to support and recognize the dynamism of small and medium-sized francophone businesses in both provinces. These dedicated business people contribute to our growing trade and prosperity. This assertive and innovative economic francophonie, on both sides, deserves to be spotlighted and encouraged. It is the result of a long history of friendships and trust, of mutually beneficial business agreements and partnerships. We congratulate the finalists and wish them every success in the years to come.” – Jean-François Roberge, Minister of the French Language and Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie
“The third edition of this Award reflects a long and growing tradition of collaboration between Ontario and Quebec. Our government recognizes that the Francophone business communities of Ontario and Quebec benefit greatly from networking and trade opportunities between them. Both provinces share the common vision of a prosperous and vigorous Francophonie, driven by its Francophone businesses. I would like to congratulate the award finalists for their contribution to Francophone prosperity and that of our provinces in the broadest sense of the term,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Francophone Affairs.
The winning companies will each receive a $10,000 prize awarded by the FCCQ and the FGA at a ceremony on April 25 during the FGA’s Franco-Ontarian Business Forum in Toronto, Ontario.
Profile of finalists:
For Quebec
- Interprétation signes et paroles inc (Gatineau)
Since its founding in 2014, ISEP has continued to grow and succeed thanks to a dynamic team that takes the community’s needs to heart. Our management team sets the tone for our goal of continuous growth and embodies our leadership qualities: respecting ethics, demonstrating passion, responsibility, efficiency, transparency and a desire for continuous learning. - Les Équipements Lapierre (Saint-Ludger)
A leader in equipment and products for the maple syrup industry, Lapierre stands out for its ability to innovate and develop ever more effective solutions. Its goal: to continually improve production techniques and processes in order to produce more abundant, high-quality maple syrup. Lapierre is, above all, a wealth of experience acquired over more than three generations of maple syrup producers, driven by a great passion and a profound desire to develop the industry with the greatest respect for nature. - Dieu du Ciel inc. microbrewery (Saint-Jérôme)
Established on Laurier Avenue in Montreal, Dieu du Ciel! aims to brew the best beers, without compromise, to offer you a unique and intense taste experience. Our second brewery in Saint-Jérôme produces, bottles and cans some of our finest beers. Driven first and foremost by the creation of daring beers, Dieu du Ciel! continually seeks to question, experiment and evolve at every level. Motivated by humanist values and ethics, Dieu du Ciel! aims to put people at the heart of its achievements, and to prioritize them in all aspects of its business.
For Ontario
- Escouade multimédia (Hawkesbury)
We are a team that has been specializing in multimedia production and the delivery of online learning experiences for over 20 years. Our mission is to help people deliver the best in multimedia production and online events. What sets us apart is that we’ve also been working in the field of education for over 20 years. The services we offer our customers are backed by recognized pedagogical expertise. In short, with us, not only do you benefit from our technical expertise, but you also receive dynamic animation strategies and an innovative approach focused on the user experience. - Hybrid Power Solutions (Etobicoke)
Hybrid Power Solutions was founded in 2015 in response to an urgent need for safer, cleaner and more efficient portable power systems. Today, we produce patent-pending portable battery systems and customized power solutions for a variety of industrial sectors, including mining, construction, rail, marine and military. We are committed to creating and delivering renewable and reusable green technologies. We are a benchmark for battery solutions in Canada. - Ori-krea (Toronto)
Ori-krea is an African-inspired clothing brand that celebrates heritage and fashion. Since 2017, Ori-krea has been creating and designing modern accessories and outfits infused with the vibrant allure of wax fabric. Each piece becomes a tapestry of tradition and contemporary style.
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About the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ)
Thanks to its vast network of nearly 120 chambers of commerce and more than 1,000 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 45,000 businesses operating in all sectors of the economy throughout Quebec. The largest network of business people and companies in Quebec, the FCCQ is both a federation of chambers of commerce and a provincial chamber of commerce. Its members, whether chambers or companies, all pursue the same goal: to foster an innovative and competitive business environment.
About the Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario (FGA)
The Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario supports, represents and advances the interests of its members and economic players. Its mission is to enhance the francophonie in business, through principled policy work, resourceful business services and innovative activities focused on the development of francophone business markets. It currently has some 50 direct members, representing over 5,000 Franco-Ontarian businesses.
Information
FCCQ
Javier Garcia
Press Attaché
Fédération des chambres de commerce au Québec
C. 438 408-3731 | T. 514 844-9571 ext. 3586
javier.garcia@fccq.ca
FGA
Mélanie Grenier
Communications Manager
Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario
media@fedefranco.ca
