FTQ cites federal tax credit as it boosts investment plans

Fonds de solidarité FTQ has launched an ambitious new investment strategy in response to the federal government's decision to restore its tax credit for labour-sponsored venture capital corporations (LSVCCs) (R$, April 4/16). FTQ plans to make $3 billion in new investments in Quebec by 2020, including investments in key tech-based sectors and new partnerships with business groups. It boosted its investment commitment by $1.4 billion citing the reinstatement of the 15% federal tax credit as a primary reason. FTQ — the country's largest LSVCC — will increase its support of the aerospace, agriculture, life science and forest product sectors, noting that they require consolidation and in some cases revitalization. Three new initiatives have also been launched — partnerships with the Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (CRIQ) and Manufacturers and Exporters of Quebec and follow-on investments in portfolio firms that wish to innovate, and follow-on investments in portfolio firms that wish to innovate. The Fonds will also invest $500 million to buy blocks of shares in publicly traded Quebec-based companies as a signal to local capital to "increase the ownership of Quebec businesses by Quebec interests"….