June 19, 2015 - Sainte-Claire - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
The Honourable Steven Blaney, Member of Parliament for Lévis–Bellechasse and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Pierre Arcand, Quebec Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Northern Plan, accompanied by Dominique Vien, Member of the National Assembly for Bellechasse, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region, announce maximum financial assistance of $35 million for the project to extend the natural gas distribution network between Lévis and Sainte-Claire, in Bellechasse. The Governments of Canada and Quebec will provide a contribution of up to $17.5 million each.
“Support for the project to extend the natural gas distribution network in Bellechasse will contribute to meeting the Government of Canada’s priority, as set out in the 2015 Economic Action Plan, of creating employment and stimulating economic growth,” stated Mr. Blaney. “This project will generate investment whose short- and medium-term regional spinoffs will be significant for the region’s lasting prosperity.” The Minister also pointed out that his Government’s support is contingent upon the signing of a contribution agreement between Canada Economic Development and Gaz Métro.
“The Quebec government has made economic recovery its priority. By facilitating access to natural gas for the largest possible number of regions,” stated Mr. Arcand, “we are fulfilling our commitments to fostering access to cost-effective, greener energy. Through the $38-million envelope announced in the 2015-2016 budget speech, access to natural gas is now recognized as a location and retention factor for businesses, and helps enhance their competitiveness. Also, using this resource contributes to achieving our Government’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.”
Extension of the natural gas distribution network between Lévis and Sainte-Claire in Bellechasse, at an estimated cost of $42 million, will boost the region’s economic development. Enterprises using natural gas—a cheaper, cleaner energy source than oil—will therefore be able to consider upgrading their facilities, thus becoming more competitive. Furthermore, Lévis and Bellechasse will be acquiring additional assets to attract new investment. Finally, the arrival of natural gas will have a positive environmental impact by contributing to the reduction of some companies’ greenhouse gas emissions.
“It’s a great day for Bellechasse,” stated Ms. Vien. “In the last election campaign, I promised this project would be carried out. Together, we have worked hard to make it happen, and today we can say “mission accomplished.” This project is essential for the regions’ businesses, as it gives them an additional tool for standing up to the increasingly fierce competition.”
According to a report completed by Deloitte in October 2014, estimates of spinoffs from this project hold out the prospect of the creation of some 550 full-time equivalent jobs during the construction phase and for equipment installation; a $51.7-million increase in collective wealth, almost half in the form of wages and salaries; $7.8 million in fiscal and para-fiscal revenues for the Quebec government; and an estimated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 6,000 tonnes per year, reflecting the replacement of oil by natural gas. Also, depending on the displaced energy type and the amount of consumption, the new natural gas users should save between 32% and 57% on their bills compared with light fuel-oil. Businesses’ productivity is therefore likely to increase as a result of upgrading to more efficient equipment.
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Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
for Quebec Regions
514-496-1282
E-mail:
vincent.rabault@miga-maig.gc.ca
Véronique Normandin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and
Minister responsible for the Northern Plan 418-643-7295
Cynthia St-Hilaire
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism and
Minister responsible for the Chaudière-
Appalaches region
418-528-8063
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
514-283-8818
media@dec-ced.gc.ca
