PALEE 2011-2014

Word from the Chairman of the Board

We're very pleased to present you the Borough of LaSalle's 2011-2014 Plan of Action for the Local Economy and Employment (PALEE) (Plan d'action local pour l'économie et l'emploi 2011-2012). Since 1984, Développement économique LaSalle has been occupying a special place in the economic development of our Borough's territory—development that comes under its jurisdiction, in fact. Also CLD agent since 2004, Développement économique LaSalle is a strategic role model for economic development in LaSalle. It is within the scope of this mandate that Développement économique LaSalle has the responsibility of developing PALEE. As for the implementation of this action plan, it is shared among various key stakeholders on Borough territory; however, it is up to Développement économique LaSalle to look after the various aspects related to businesses and employment.

Since the last PALEE (2008-2011) was carried out, two development thrusts in particular have held the attention of Développement économique LaSalle: innovation and technological development. With regard to innovation, Développement économique LaSalle is determined to stimulate projects within businesses and will pursue its actions in this direction. Given today's global economic environment, Québec businesses are faced with major challenges that require structuring, efficient strategies. To ensure the survival and growth of their business, distinguish themselves from the competition and create employment, business leaders—more than ever—must look into new ways of doing things and be innovative. LaSalle is no exception to this reality and consequently, for the past two years, Développement économique LaSalle has been working on developing this reflex among businesses on its territory.

As for technological development, the launch of an applied research centre in photonics and logistics is a core priority. Développement économique LaSalle has been working on this for the past many years, in partnership with other local stakeholders, thereby ensuring LaSalle clear, solid positioning within future developments in the Greater Montréal area. The knowledge-based economy to which we are already transitioning will develop around centres of excellence. In LaSalle, it is around college centres of technology transfer at CÉGEP André-Laurendeau that we will build our own centre of excellence and that we will ensure LaSalle an enviable place in this new economy.

For the past three years, in pursuing this change of direction in the economy, which is now geared toward innovation and technology, Développement économique LaSalle is looking forward to continuing its efforts within the scope of the 2011-2014 PALEE and to finally seeing major high-benefit projects materialize—all to the advantage of the future of LaSalle's economy.

Hervé Pilon
Chairman of The Board