The Act to establish the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec (CED) received Royal Assent on June 23, 2005, and came into force on October 5, 2005, which date was determined by the Governor in Council. On that date, CED acquired full autonomy. CED had previously been established following a series of orders-in-council and prior to February 13, 1998, was known as the Federal Office of Regional Development (Quebec), or FORD(Q).

The purpose of the Act is to establish the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and to specify the duties of the Minister responsible and of the Agency.