SOUNDING THE ALARM IN TÉMISCAMINGUE: 2,500 PEOPLE SEND A CLEAR MESSAGE TO
QUEBEC CITY

VILLE-MARIE, QC, Nov. 8 /CNW Telbec/ - More than 2,500 people marched through the streets of Ville-Marie, Témiscamingue, today, demonstrating their clear preference to continue to live and work in their own region. This remarkable wave of solidarity, never before seen in the area, sounded the alarm about the untenable economic situation that exists in Témiscamingue. La Marche verte represents the first step in raising awareness of the area's distinctiveness.

"Today, we witnessed an historic event in Témiscamingue. Almost 20% of our population mobilized to declare their pride in being residents of this region," declared Arnaud Warolin, prefect of the MRC du Témiscamingue. "More than 300 businesses closed their doors just to take part in our march today. People from all ages and walks of life, including students from the area's four high schools, joined in. Témiscamingue's decision makers also participated, including the four chiefs from the area's native reserves. Everyone marched to show their solidarity and their support for Témiscamingue's demands," he continued.

"The population of Témiscamingue has never been and never plans to be a burden to the government. We are not looking for any favours or special treatment. We are simply asking that the government apply clause 4.3 of its National Policy on Ruralty, which allows for flexibility for regional distinctions in the application of government laws and programs," added Mr Warolin.

"This flexibility will enable us to move forward with projects that have been on hold for many months, particularly in the agriculture and forestry sectors. We know what we need to do to develop our region and assure its growth; we are asking the government to do its job and provide us with the tools to allow us to get on with our work."

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