MONTREAL, Feb. 9, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, in collaboration with the Government of Québec, is pleased to announce the program for the Salon Plan Nord taking place on April 20 and 21 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. As announced by Premier Jean Charest during a talk at the Board of Trade last November, the fair will provide a unique opportunity for citizens and companies to learn about and take advantage of job and business opportunities relating to this large-scale societal project.
"The Plan Nord is without question one of the cornerstones of Québec's economic future. It will generate over 80 billion dollars in investments and will allow us to create or maintain, on average, 20,000 jobs per year. The Plan Nord is an array of possibilities offered to Quebecers as a whole over a period of 25 years. I am pleased that this unique gathering is taking place, giving Quebecers who seek to take part in this project a chance to seize career opportunities, and giving companies a chance to seize all of the business options," stated the Premier of Québec.
"Natural resources are a pillar of Québec's economy. Through the economic impacts, business opportunities, social development, and labour needs it will generate, the Plan Nord will benefit all Quebecers. It is one of the largest projects Québec has ever carried out. A project that promotes the creation of wealth through Québec as a whole, in the North as in the South," continued Clément Gignac, Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife, and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord.
"The city represents an incredible centre of professional services for natural resources enterprises and their head offices. We in fact have thousands of jobs in the manufacturing sector relating to the exploitation of such resources. It is therefore with great interest that the city's business community is holding this unique event that will allow participants to familiarize themselves with the Plan Nord and to seize business opportunities available to both companies and workers," added Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
This public event will provide an occasion to bring together various stakeholders in the Plan Nord, to gather work providers and suppliers of products and services under one roof, to learn about upcoming projects, and to find out about job opportunities. This collaborative effort between the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and the Government of Québec will promote networking and contribute to creating wealth for Northern communities and all regions of Québec.
The Salon Plan Nord is also in keeping with the Board of Trade's Natural Resources Sector Enhancement Initiative. A natural resources forum, a business luncheon with Premier Charest, and a networking evening are planned as part of this event. The Salon will allow businesses to network and to meet with large contractors involved in the Plan Nord; the event will also give the public a chance to find out about job opportunities and to meet with employers.
"The Plan Nord is without a doubt the project of a generation, and I am delighted by our partnership with the Government of Québec in holding this wide-ranging event. It is a unique opportunity for the city's business community, as well as for those of all regions of Québec. To that end, the Board of Trade intends to work together with these communities to maximize the economic impacts of this project. It's the not-to-be-missed event of the spring season," concluded Michel Leblanc.
About the Plan Nord
The Plan Nord will be carried out over 25 years and, during that time, will lead to over $80 billion in investments. It will allow for the creation or consolidation of, on average, 20,000 jobs a year, in addition to generating $14 billion in revenue for the government and Québec society. Through the economic spinoff and social development that it engenders, the Plan Nord will improve the living conditions of northern populations. Through the needs that it generates for workers, knowledge, and expertise, its benefits will be felt throughout Québec.
The Plan Nord is an exemplary sustainable development project combining energy, mining, forest, bio-food, tourism, transportation, and wildlife development, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation. It will promote development for the benefit of the communities concerned and for Québec as a whole, while ensuring respect for cultures and identities.
Preliminary program for the Natural Resources Sector Enhancement Initiative
Natural Resources Strategic Forum
Date: Friday, April 20, from 7 am to noon
Audience: business people
Business Luncheon with Premier Jean Charest as guest speaker
Date: Friday, April 20, from noon to 2 pm
Audience: business people
Salon Plan Nord
Date: Friday, April 20, from 2 pm to 5 pm, and Saturday, April 21, from 10 am to 5 pm
Audience: general public and business people
Goals: raise awareness of job and business opportunities
Scope:
- thematic talks taking place on site
- Curriculum vitae drop-off centre for visitors
- Business-to-business express meetings (Friday only)
- Gathering of some major contractors
- Opportunity for potential suppliers to have a meeting with the major contractors
Networking evening
Date: Friday, April 20, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm
Audience: exhibitors and dignitaries
For complete details on the Natural Resources Sector Enhancement Initiative or to register, please visit the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal's website at www.btmm.qc.ca/naturalresources.
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Québec's leading private economic development organization.
Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514 871-4000, extension 4015
[email protected]
Twitter: #ccmmqcca
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