Latest news with #MaïtéBlanchetteVézina
Cision Canada
a day ago
- General
- Cision Canada
Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region and MNA for Duplessis, Celebrates 70th Anniversary of Schefferville Français
SCHEFFERVILLE, QC, Aug. 16, 2025 /CNW/ - The minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region and MNA for Duplessis, Kateri Champagne Jourdain, attended festivities celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Schefferville municipality. During the celebrations, she announced, on behalf of Maïté Blanchette Vézina, the Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and the Minister responsible for the Société du Plan Nord, a series of government initiatives aimed at recognizing the resilience and commitment of this community to its territorial development. One of these northern initiatives, the Société's Fonds d'initiatives nordiques, has provided financial support to three projects that came to fruition at the same time as this significant anniversary. The Société du Plan Nord entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to address the challenges identified by the city and the RCM of Caniapiscau. A budget of $1,125,000 was allocated to support projects addressing concerns about municipal water infrastructure, access to Mount Uapishka and illegal dumping sites. A call for proposals will be announced shortly. Additionally, a $100,000 grant went towards creating a children's playground at Parc des Ailes. The playground has improved existing facilities and provides a safe place to play and to hold intergenerational gatherings and activities that foster connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. In addition, a grant of $35,000 was awarded to the virtual museum to launch an immersive exhibition (Une montée vers le Nord) featuring the memories and stories of the pioneers of Schefferville. Already online at the exhibition covers events from the 1946 prospecting period to the present day, and will look at the region's future potential. Quotes: "As the minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region, I extend my warmest greetings to the citizens of Schefferville on its 70th anniversary. I feel it was important for me to be here, to celebrate and honour your history that inspires us all through your resilience and collective involvement. Schefferville stands as a powerful symbol of Quebec's north, with its unique heritage, significant challenges to tackle together and promising potential for strategic development. " Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region and Member of the National Assembly for Duplessis "The 70th anniversary of Schefferville is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of an entire community in building a strong, welcoming and forward-looking environment. The Société du Plan Nord is proud to support this northern municipality in its ambitions and to contribute meaningfully to its sustainable development." Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests, and Minister Responsible for the Société du Plan Nord and the Société de développement de la Baie-James "I am proud that our government supports this significant agreement, which will benefit the communities of the RMC of Caniapiscau. This is a fantastic way to improve residents' quality of life and to boost the vitality of this rich territory. The 70th anniversary of Schefferville is a golden opportunity to celebrate the city, its essential role and its unique character. Thank you to all the partners who have made this agreement possible." Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region About the Société du Plan Nord The mission of the Société du Plan Nord is to contribute to the integrated, cohesive development of Quebec's northern territory, within a focus on sustainable development. The Société du Plan Nord plays a pivotal role in applying the Quebec government's 2023–2028 Northern Action Plan. Related links: Follow the Société du Plan Nord on social media: X LinkedIn SOURCE Cabinet de la ministre de l'Emploi et ministre responsable de la région de la Côte-Nord Source: Émilie Paquet, Regional Political Attaché, Office of the Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region and Member of the National Assembly for Duplessis, Phone: 418-997-3459; Émilie Savard, Media Relations Officer, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Minister Responsible for the Société du Plan Nord, Phone: 367-990-8473; Élodie Masson, Media Relations Officer, Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Phone: 367-990-8017; Information: Eric Duchesneau, Communications Advisor, Société du Plan Nord, Phone: 418-643-1874, extension 66406
Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Northern Action Plan 2023-2028 - Financial agreement of $700,000 between the Société du Plan Nord, the Société de développement de la Baie-James, and the Cree Nation Government to support the development of Cree entrepreneurship Français
QUEBEC CITY, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - The Société du Plan Nord, the Société de développement de la Baie-James, and the Cree Nation Government are proud to announce their respective investments of $300,000, $250,000, and $150,000 as part of a new collaboration that will have a positive and lasting impact on the Cree entrepreneurs of Eeyou Istchee. This initiative is part of the 2023–2028 Northern Action Plan to support Indigenous entrepreneurship and responds to the growing needs of suppliers. The objective of this agreement is to improve the ability of suppliers in this region to meet the needs of prime contractors. For the Société de développement de la Baie-James, this agreement addresses a strategic issue in its Development Plan: maximizing regional economic benefits. As part of this partnership, the Cree Nation Government is committed to hiring, supervising and supporting a business liaison specialist to help Cree contractors meet the requirements of public and private tenders. Through this collaboration, the partners seek to maximize the efficiency of allocated resources and ensure that this initiative directly serves Cree businesses. The partners underline their commitment to pursue their efforts towards securing tangible changes on the field and improving the entrepreneurial vitality of Cree communities. The Société du Plan Nord, the Société de développement de la Baie-James, and the Cree Nation Government are excited about this collaboration and are confident that, through their combined support, this initiative will be a true driving force of transformation for Cree businesses. Quotes: "The initiatives we fund through the Northern Action Plan are concrete and contribute to the vitality and economic dynamism of our communities. With this new initiative and through community collaboration, we are providing significant tools and resources to Cree businesses and organizations so they can continue to grow. The essence of this agreement contributes to the economic vitality of the region, but more importantly, it improves the quality of life for northern populations." Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Minister responsible for the Société du Plan Nord and the Société de développement de la Baie-James "This partnership reflects our commitment to empowering Cree entrepreneurs and strengthening economic opportunities in Eeyou Istchee. With specialized tools and a dedicated business liaison specialist, local businesses can better navigate procurement and seize new opportunities. Investing in local resources fosters long-term success and sustainable growth for future generations." Davey Bobbish, Executive Director, Cree Nation Government "I'm proud that Société du Plan Nord is supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship through this inspiring partnership, as outlined in the Northern Action Plan. Moreover, this project will contribute to nurturing the talents and ambitions of Cree entrepreneurs, enabling them and their regional partners to claim their fair share of public and private markets in Eeyou Istchee." Patrick Beauchesne, President and Chief Executive Officer, Société du Plan Nord "This agreement marks a turning point in the development of Cree entrepreneurship. By supporting local initiatives and providing targeted resources, we are helping to strengthen the economic autonomy of the communities. At the Société de développement de la Baie-James, we are proud to play a key role in this effort, which paves the way for a prosperous and sustainable future for Baie-James." Alain Coulombe, President and CEO of the Société de développement de la Baie-James About the Société du Plan Nord The Société du Plan Nord's mission is to support a systematic and organized growth of Quebec's northern territory in line with a perspective of sustainable development. The Société du Plan Nord is the principal body in the implementation of the government of Quebec's Northern Action Plan 2023–2028. About the Société de développement de la Baie-James Established in 1971 under the James Bay Region Development Act, the SDBJ aims to promote economic development, sustainable development and exploitation of natural resources–excluding hydroelectric resources under Hydro-Québec's mandate–within the Baie-James territory. In particular, it has the capacity to initiate and support projects aimed at these objectives and participate in them. About the Cree Nation Government The Cree Nation Government carries out governmental and administrative functions on behalf of the Cree Nation. Both entities share the same members, board of directors, and governance structures, and they are managed as a single entity. Related links: SOURCE Société du Plan Nord
Business Wire
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Rio Tinto launches ore sorting demonstration project at its Havre-Saint-Pierre mine
HAVRE-SAINT-PIERRE, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rio Tinto is investing CA$7.6 million in an industrial demonstration project to assess the integration of an ore sorting technology at its Lac Tio mine located in Havre-Saint-Pierre. The Government of Quebec will contribute CA$2.5 million to this initiative through its Support Program for the Scale-up of Mineral Processing or Primary Transformation for Critical and Strategic Minerals, administered by the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests. The project aims to test a technology that will allow the sorting of ore directly at the source based on titanium and scandium content, two minerals considered critical and strategic, even at low grades. By separating commercially exploitable rock from waste rock more efficiently, this method could reduce the amount of material transported between the mine and Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Quebec Operations' Metallurgical and Critical Minerals Complex in Sorel-Tracy, contributing to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and the costs associated with transporting and processing ore. Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium and Diamonds' Managing Director Sophie Bergeron said: 'The use of ore sorting technology represents a tangible opportunity to optimise our processes right from the extraction stage, allowing us to maximise value from our resources, while reducing the emissions associated with transporting and processing ore. The support from the Government of Quebec highlights the key role that Rio Tinto plays in the critical and strategic minerals production essential to the energy transition. It's also a unifying project for our employees, the community of Havre-Saint-Pierre and the community of Ekuanitshit, with whom we share a desire to evolve our practices in a responsible manner.' Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region and the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region Maïté Blanchette Vézina said: 'Our government is proud to support Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium in its ore valorisation project. In addition to encouraging innovation through the creation of new processes or the improvement of existing ones, this type of initiative helps accelerate the transformation of critical and strategic minerals in Quebec, reinforcing the province's position as a global leader. In a complex geopolitical context and growing global demand for minerals, we must seize these opportunities to advance Quebec's mining projects.' This full-scale industrial demonstration will also allow the assessment of potential optimisations of the ore pre-treatment process at the Sorel-Tracy plant, improve mineral resource management, and explore options for accessing parts of the deposit that were previously considered unprofitable. This has the potential to allow consideration of a review of the mining plan and extension of the mine's lifespan. The project will be deployed in two phases. In 2025, the activities will focus on engineering, the commissioning of the ore sorting circuit and technological validation. In 2026, additional equipment will be integrated to automate the process and produce multiple batches of enriched ore.
CBC
06-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Why Quebec's forestry reform is facing backlash from Indigenous groups, conservationists
Quebec's sweeping reform of how forests are managed is causing concerns among Indigenous leaders, conservation groups and unions, who warn the changes prioritize logging over long-term health of the ecosystem. Bill 97, tabled this spring by Minister of Natural Resources and Forests Maïté Blanchette Vézina, proposes to divide the forest into three zones: one that prioritizes conservation, one focused on timber production and a third zone for multiple uses. At least 30 per cent of Quebec's forests will fall into that second category, Blanchette Vézina said. Speaking at the legislative hearing on Bill 97, which wrapped up this week, Lac-Simon Anishnabe Nation Chief Lucien Wabanonik says he wants to see it scrapped and rewritten from scratch in collaboration with First Nations people. "They call it triade in French, meaning 30 per cent of the territory will be specifically used by the industry in exclusion of other users. They exclude everyone else," he said. "It's very negative the way it was presented. It's very negative on our rights as First Nations." WATCH | Why Bill 97 is raising concerns among forestry advocates: Quebec's proposed forest management plan sparks tensions with Indigenous communities 2 days ago Duration 2:48 Consultations are underway on Bill 97 at the National Assembly, and there's lots of anger. The legislation aims to modernize the way forests are managed in Quebec. But the Assembly of First Nations thinks the bond of trust with the natural resources minister is broken, and blockades of forest roads is probably the tip of the iceberg. The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) argues the bill essentially gives the forestry industry the right to bypass consultations with First Nations regarding activities on those territories zoned for intensive logging. "Once again, we are faced with a fait accompli," the AFNQL's chief, Francis Verreault-Paul, told the minister this week. "Today, we're facing a result with the tabling of this bill and we're asking that its foundation undergo major changes." Concerns over acceleration of forest degradation In the bill, any activity interfering with or restricting forest development efforts is prohibited with the exception of Indigenous activities pursued for domestic, ritual or social purposes. But that clause "in no way guarantees the preservation of the quality of these territories, which are essential to the preservation of their traditional ways of life, cultures and languages," wrote the AFNQL in its notice submitted to the parliamentary commission studying the bill. The group is also worried about the potential acceleration of forest degradation — a concern shared by unions representing workers in the forestry sector. Bill 97 places the forestry industry as the principle actor responsible for forest management in the intensive forestry zones, argues the CSN and FIM-CSN unions. "Logging companies tend to exploit the forest as quickly as possible to increase profits in the short term. For the workers, what's important is maintaining good jobs in the long term," the unions wrote in a statement. Conservation groups like Nature Québec, for their part, are worried about what ecological precautions will be applied in the priority forestry development zones to keep Quebec's forests resilient to climate change, and how the conservation areas will be delimited. "Further rejuvenating forests at the very moment when forest fires are about to intensify is a high-risk strategy," wrote the organization in its notice. Despite the criticism, Blanchette Vézina insists her motivation is to help first and foremost the communities living off forestry, not the industry itself. "We have to act because we have [U.S. President] Trump who's a threat, there's the softwood lumber dispute, there's the business environment that's been cited as being too restrictive … and there's closures of factories," she said speaking to reporters Tuesday. "It's for the economy of the regions of forestry communities … it's the workers I'm thinking about." 'Democratic backsliding,' environmental group says Biodiversity and forest management professor Christian Messier presented the triad model to Blanchette Vézina a few years ago. But, he says, the bill doesn't quite reflect his application of the model, which he's been experimenting with in central Quebec forests for the last 15 years. "The objective is to decrease the amount of conflict among the different users [of the forest]. And maybe that's the first problem I see," he said. "I think the government developed this triad idea without a very strong consultation where you sit everybody around the table and you decide what will be the best zoning you do between protected areas, multi-use areas and intensive forestry." Blanchette Vézina said she led "extensive" consultations over 2024, which included Indigenous groups. But Verreault-Paul noted that a board with Indigenous leaders was only formed after the bill was tabled in April 2025, despite their explicit request that they be consulted beforehand. According to the bill, the different forestry zones will be delimited in collaboration with relevant ministers, Indigenous communities and regional county municipalities. However, critics note Bill 97 abolishes regional consultation tables, scales back public consultation requirements and transfers more powers to regional managers appointed by the ministry — who report directly to the office of the chief forester. Quebec's regional councils on the environment (RNCREQ) called it "democratic backsliding," while Alliance Forêt Boréale (AFB), which represents forestry communities, maintained it would hurt public trust in forestry projects. "If we're not at the decision-making table, it will be difficult for us to advance," said AFB's president Yanick Baillargeon. He added he wants regional managers to be more independent from the ministry and elected locally. Testifying Wednesday, the Conseil de l'industrie forestière du Québec industry group welcomed Blanchette Vézina's bill, saying it offers them more predictability and makes industry more competitive. The president of the council, Jean-François Samray, said the bill is a "good step forward" and lays a foundation that de-centralizes forest management. But still, it remains too prescriptive, he said. "The only thing it does is help sell paper because it's excessively thick, so we'll thank you for that, but that paper suffocates the industry," he said.
Hamilton Spectator
03-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
‘We reject your bill:' First Nations heads urge Quebec to scrap forestry reform bill
QUÉBEC - Representatives of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador have told a provincial legislature committee that they reject the government's proposed forestry reform. AFNQL Chief Francis Verreault-Paul said today that Bill 97 does not respect First Nations' ancestral rights. The proposed legislation would divide the province's public forest land into three zones: conservation zones, multi-purpose zones and forest development zones where the forestry industry is prioritized. Natural Resources Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina wrote in a recent memo that the government hopes at least 30 per cent of public forests in each region will become development zones by 2028. The AFNQL says that premise is unacceptable and would amount to privatizing one-third of First Nations territories for industrial interests. The leaders are urging the government to scrap the bill in its present form and restart the process with First Nations as co-authors. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025.
