Minister Bachand visits L'Île-des-Sœurs

Mr. Bachand confirmed in his speech that Quebec’s economic development rests on several major factors. He mentioned the revival of hydroelectric sites, infrastructure work, and the lowering of taxes for Quebec residents. To illustrate, he explained: “It costs a lot of money to close a city and the agreement with Alcoa Aluminum shows that there is a need to produce more electricity. It is a complete self-sustaining region that will benefit from a secure situation for at least the next 35 years, thanks to hydroelectric power.”

He also believes that innovation is a vital ingredient for the development of Quebec’s companies. “Strategies must be taken in the coming year to assure Quebec’s important position in certain industry sectors (the fashion industry particularly). Several other industries are doing very well: the aerospace and pharmaceutical industries are flourishing”, he said.

Among the essential issues relating to economic development, Minister Bachand mentioned the mobility of workers in Canada, the development of an economic relationship with Europe and the recognition of competencies with France. This last factor could compensate for the lack of qualified manpower in several areas, especially in health.

Several L'Île-des-Soeurs residents attended the meeting with Verdun MNA Henri-François Gautrin present. The president of the Verdun Liberal Association, Michel Lamontagne and several members of the association’s executive committee were also some of the invited guests.