The DMZ at Ryerson and Montréal’s Notman House respond to government of Québec-Ontario joint cabinet meeting

TORONTO, October 25, 2016 – Following the joint cabinet meeting last week between the government of Québec and Ontario, the DMZ at Ryerson in Toronto and Notman House in Montréal have collaborated to create ‘The Cabinet Action Initiative.’ In order to deliver on the idea of ‘an open innovation ecosystem,’ one of the seven agreements made between the two governments at this year’s meeting, this initiative will see the collaborators support technology startups in each other’s jurisdiction.

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the inaugural Cabinet Action Initiative will provide startups from both hubs access to an amalgamated list of over 100 cross-border advisors that range from lobbyists to capital experts. Entrepreneurs will also have access to desk space, meeting rooms and other resources when making business trips to each other’s city.

“This year’s joint cabinet meeting at the DMZ highlighted seven agreements ranging from technology to infrastructure to boost innovation between Ontario and Quebec,” said Abdullah Snobar, executive director at the DMZ. “Initiatives like ‘The Cabinet Action’ will expand resources for entrepreneurs between our two provinces to help propel the digital infrastructure in Quėbec and Ontario to even greater heights.”

The initiative will also work towards enhancing entrepreneurs’ expertise and awareness of other markets in Canada. This commitment is shared by both governments as startup growth is a contributing factor to more high-quality jobs and economic growth in the neighbouring provinces.

“The effort in supporting innovation in Québec and Ontario is one that we share with Premier Couillard and Premier Wynne,” said Emma Williams, Notman House campus director. “Our Cabinet Action Initiative with the DMZ will help increase knowledge sharing and enhance partnerships between startups in both provinces by introducing entrepreneurs to a market outside their home-base.”

Québec and Ontario are regions that are already well-recognized for economic innovation. With stable GDP growth rates, an increase in business investment and a growing number of technology startups, both provinces are expected to continue to stimulate activity going into 2017.

As part of the MoU, the DMZ at Ryerson and Notman House look forward to making ‘The Cabinet Action Initiative’ an annual tradition in supporting the efforts made by their respective Premiers.

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About The DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University:
 The DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University is one of Canada’s largest business incubators for emerging tech startups. It is the top-ranked university incubator in North America and third in the world, and helps startups succeed by connecting them with customers, advisors, influencers and other entrepreneurs. Since launching in 2010 it has incubated over 260 startups, raised $211 million in seed funding, and has fostered the creation of more than 2,475 jobs.

About Notman House:
 Notman House is a physical campus dedicated to supporting the Montreal Startup ecosystem. Located on Sherbrooke and St. Laurent at the very the heart of Montreal, Notman provides office, event, and communal space for startups, investors, technology partners, and community groups. By bringing together company and community builders, Notman House catalyzes the collaboration and exchange that are at the core of a thriving startup ecosystem.