Amos, Quebec, March 22, 2006 - As part of World Water
Day, while visiting Amos, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn,
Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, today announced
the awarding of a non repayable contribution of $97,800 to the Université du
Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) to continue its research on
groundwater resources.
The work will be carried out at UQAT's campus in Amos. Well known for the
high quality of its drinking water which comes from eskers, Amos was awarded a
gold medal in an international water tasting competition in 2001 at Berkeley
Springs, U.S.A.
In 2001, the Agency funded UQAT to produce specifications to encourage the
Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) to carry out a component of a national program
on groundwater in the regions. Today, the GSC has transferred its expertise to a
young scientist recruited by UQAT, Mr. Vincent Cloutier. This contribution will
help to ensure a smooth transition, continue the work already begun and retain
brainpower in the region.
"Having an accurate picture of the water resources potential in the region
and the possible problems associated with water quality, decision makers will
have the tools they need to make the right choices regarding the exploitation of
water for human consumption as well as commercial use," stated the Minister. "In
fact, seen as the expertise is transferred directly in the region, perhaps this
research will lead to the creation of a new 'water' cluster similar to the
mining and forestry clusters we already know," said the Minister. "Your
university seems to be working toward this and I hail the relevance of its
actions for the region and for Canada," Mr. Blackburn concluded.
Research findings will be disseminated through several communication
elements, including a conference, a seminar and the setting up of a website.
It should be recalled that Canada Economic Development's mandate is to
promote the economic development of the regions of Quebec. Primarily through
financial assistance programs, the Agency elicits and supports the
implementation of economic development projects.
- 30 -
Source:
François Bélisle
CommunicationsCanada Economic
Development
Tel.: 1 800 567-6451, ext.
235
E-mail: francois.belisle@dec-ced.gc.ca
Canada Economic Development is on line at www.dec-ced.gc.ca. Subscribe to the Agency's press releases at www.dec-ced.gc.ca/asp/SitePersonnalise/acces_personnalise.asp?LANG=EN to keep up with the latest news.
