Latest news with #SociétéduPlanNord


Cision Canada
3 days 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


Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
$6.2M for Matagami Transshipment Yard Upgrade
MATAGAMI, QC, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Quebec, through the Société du Plan Nord, is granting $6.2 million in repayable assistance for the Matagami transshipment yard infrastructure upgrade project. This will make it possible to carry out significant civil engineering works as well as enable the acquisition and installation of new railway equipment necessary to serve mining companies in the Nord-du-Québec region. The Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Minister responsible for the Société du Plan Nord, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, made the announcement today, alongside Denis Lamothe, Member of the National Assembly for Ungava. The total project cost is $9.2 million. Two mining project partners in the region, Rio Tinto and Nemaska Lithium, will contribute $3 million to the site's multi-user infrastructure. The investment from the Government of Quebec and the mining companies will primarily enhance the capacity, reliability and efficiency of transporting ore to markets. As a result, the City of Matagami will be involved in the logistics chain of critical and strategic mineral projects in development. Quotes: "Upgrading the infrastructure of the Matagami transshipment yard is a strategic lever for economic development in northern Quebec. By providing rail service to emerging mining projects, particularly in the lithium sector, we are making a real contribution to the development of the critical minerals industry. Quebec is often cited as an example around the world. This announcement reflects our strong commitment to enhancing wealth creation through the development of this attractive and dynamic sector, particularly in the current context." Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Minister responsible for the Société du Plan Nord "This project to modernize the Matagami transshipment yard will contribute to the economic development of our region. It will also support various mining projects in development." Denis Lamothe, Member of the National Assembly for Ungava "The Matagami transshipment yard is a strategic link in the logistics chain for the mining projects in development. By supporting this upgrade, we are supporting the City's desire to make it a real driver of economic growth for the region, to the benefit of our communities." Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for the Nord-du-Québec region Highlights: The upgrades will take place from late May to late October 2025. Excavation and site preparation works will begin in the coming weeks. The rehabilitation of existing tracks and construction of new rail lines will then follow. The City of Matagami's project aligns with Key direction 1 of the Government of Quebec's Northern Action Plan 2023–2028: "Increase connectivity to the territory". It also meets Objective 2.3 of the Quebec Plan for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals 2020–2025: "Improve multi-user infrastructure and access corridors to CSM resources" by optimizing access to resources. The mission of the Société du Plan Nord is to contribute to the integrated and coherent development of northern Quebec, in accordance with the guidelines defined by the government. This is done in consultation with representatives of the regions and Indigenous nations concerned, as well as the private sector. Related links: Follow the Société du Plan Nord on social media: X LinkedIn SOURCE Cabinet de la ministre des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts Contacts: Émilie Savard, Media relations officer, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Minister responsible for the Société du Plan Nord, Tel: 367-990-8473; Miriam Audrey Lessard-Légaré, Policy adviser, Office of the Member of Parliament for Ungava, Tel: 581-579-6784; Ève Vaisberg, Media relations officer, Office of the Minister of Labour and the Minister responsible for the Nord-du-Québec region, Tel: 263-362-3605; Information: Eric Duchesneau, Communications advisor, Société du Plan Nord, Tel: 418-643-1874, ext. 66406