According to Dagensit.no, Montreal is the center of Quebec’s large-scale investment in programs to encourage new industries to establish themselves in the city. And Norwegian’s Funcom has moved much of its development department in Montreal, similarly to big game companies like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts and Square Enix. "The province really paves the way for us. Among other things, we have reduced labour costs for skilled labour by up to 37.5%," said CEO Trond Arne Aas. In addition, Quebec’s Multimedia Tax Credit program allows Funcom to pay four developers for the price of three.
*Article translated from Norwegian to English by an embassy employee.
Read more : Nowegian gaming companies save ‘a lot’ by moving operations to Quebec

BNY Mellon has announced the purchase of I3 Advisors of Toronto, an independent wealth strategy company with more than $3.8 billion in assets under advisement. This transaction represents BNY Mellon’s first wealth management acquisition in Canada. "Together, we will be able to build on the success of I3 to offer a whole new level of service to wealthy investors. Canada’s high net-worth market represents a very attractive opportunity for BNY Mellon as we accelerate our global expansion and seize new opportunities in dynamic markets," said BNY Mellon Wealth Management CEO Larry Hughes.
Read more : BNY Mellon expands in Canada with wealth firm acquisition

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, announced that Canada and Costa Rica have agreed to work toward modernizing the existing bilateral free trade agreement. "Our government’s aggressive free trade agenda is creating opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers and is securing future prosperity for Canadians and our trading partners in the hemisphere," said Minister Van Loan. Costa Rica is Canada’s largest trading partner in the region, and the free trade agreement update would grow the current commercial relationship.
Read more : Canada and Costa Rica to enhance free trade agreement

The iFranchise Group, a franchise consulting firm based near Chicago, recently joined the Canadian Franchise Association. Company executives believe that the Canadian franchise market is one of great opportunity and potential for businesses of all types and sizes. The iFranchise Group expects to continue to provide services to Canadian companies on an ongoing basis.
Read more : Chicago’s iFranchise Group sees opportunity in Canadian market

In 2009, Ontario was the third largest market for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in North America, with 48MW installed, according to a report by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). The Canadian Solar Industry Association (CanSIA) estimates 100 to 200 MW will be installed in Ontario in 2010. Nearly 100 MW has already been installed, and several large projects, multi-megawatt projects are underway, says CanSIA. Ontario and New Jersey are neck and neck for the number two slot in the North American solar PV market for installations in 2010.
Read more : Ontario reaching the top in solar installations: Report

Huawei, the telecommunications network solutions for operators, has announced it has become a member of the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI). OCRI is Ottawa’s member-based economic development corporation for fostering the advancement of the region’s globally competitive knowledge-based institutions and industries. Huawei has enjoyed tremendous success since entering the Canadian market in the spring of 2008.
Read more : Huawei becomes member of Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation

Wind power in PEI will receive funding to further its development in the province. The federal government will spend up to $12 million over five years to help the Wind Energy Institute of Canada construct and operate a nine to 10 megawatt wind turbine cluster and electricity storage system. Nearly 21% of the province’s power would come from renewable sources once the project is complete.
Read more : PEI to get $12 million for wind energy project

California-based Kogent Corporation, a firm that provides prebuilt, industry-specific Business Intelligence (BI) solutions, has hired new Vice President, Eastern Canadian Operations to spearhead Kogent’s strategic expansion into the Canadian market. Kogent will provide BI, Data Warehousing and Analytics solutions to help companies make smarter business decisions.
Read more : U.S. based Kogent Corporation continues its North American expansion

Acciona announced the production of a new wind farm in Canada; the Lamèque Wind Power Project will be located in Lamèque Island over the Atlantic coast of Canada. The farm is expected to have 30, 1.5 MW wind turbines. The wind farm erected with an investment of over $115 million is expected to provide unremitting clean power to 8000 homes in the vicinity. The minister while concluding said that the announcement is an indication of the government’s commitment to provide clean and renewable power. He added that the Lameque wind farm while providing clean energy is also helping to initiate quality jobs in renewable energy sector.
Read more : Acciona Energy to construct wind farm in Canada

Netherlands-based Olthoff Wind Group BV (OWG) and Canada-based Aeolus Consulting Ltd. have created Ovento Canada Ltd. in Toronto to provide technical and financial support and asset-management services to wind farm developers and investors in Canada and the U.S.
Read more : Ovento Canada launches new North American business