Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, April 11, 2007 The Honourable
Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of
Canada Economic Development, took the opportunity while on tour of
Abitibi-Témiscamingue today to announce the creation of an advisory committee
tasked with providing counsel to the Minister and the Agency he heads on
regional economic matters. This initiative is in line with the six measures
recently implemented by Canada's new government to come to the aid of Quebec
regions undergoing slow economic growth and support the province's small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Advisory Committee for Abitibi-Témiscamingue, through its chairperson
Mrs. France Gagnon, will be responsible for providing guidance on,
among other things, the niches and sectors Canada's new government should
emphasize in its efforts to foster the sustainable development of the region.
This exercise will enable the Agency and regional stakeholders to harmonize
their actions in order to further common objectives. The Advisory Committee will
also be called upon, at the request of the Minister or the Agency, to provide
counsel on a variety of other matters.
"We believe it is essential to consult with advisory committees composed of
regional partners and stakeholders so as to better understand each region's
specific economic situation and development priorities in order to plot the most
appropriate course of action to be followed," stated
Minister Blackburn.
The size of these regional advisory committees will vary according to the
demographic, economic, geographic and administrative characteristics of the
different regions and areas served by the Agency's business offices. In
executing out their functions, committee members will be responsible for
promoting the interests and development issues specific to their respective
regions.
"As you can see from the professional and personal track records of the
individuals on the Advisory Committee for Abitibi-Témiscamingue, this team has
tremendous potential and clearly represents the dynamism and diversity that
characterize this region. I firmly believe that locally-derived solutions
reflect each community's particular needs and realities and greatly improve the
odds of success and effectiveness of any local initiative," the Minister
concluded.
This new approach illustrates the determination of Canada's new government to
be more in tune with the regions in its efforts to ensure the kind of
sustainable economic development that meets the needs and expectations of the
population.
Further details on the terms and conditions of these new measures can be found on the Agency website.
A backgrounder is attached
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Sources:
François
BélisleCommunicationsCanada Economic DevelopmentTel.: 819-825-5260,
ext. 235Cell.: 819-856-3520E-mail: francois.belisle@dec-ced.gc.ca
Roxane MarchandPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable
Jean-Pierre BlackburnCanada Economic
DevelopmentTel.: 819-953-5646Cell.: 613-816-5094E-mail: roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
