James Bay, Quebec, February 20, 2020 — Making strategic investments in infrastructure projects that meet the specific needs of rural and northern communities is key to building stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone can succeed.

“I am very pleased to recognize our contribution to this important project that will help protect the environment and create an economy focused on green growth. By reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, this road stop will be able to reduce its carbon footprint. We have big plans to develop our regions because they are the driving force behind our country’s success. Thus, we are ensuring that they receive their fair share of infrastructure funding to stimulate the local economy and create good jobs that will strengthen the middle class across Canada.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development 

“I am delighted with our government’s involvement in this infrastructure project, which will have a positive impact on the environment, as well as on the safety of people who use the James Bay Road. More than 530,000 litres of diesel will cease to be delivered and consumed annually at the km 381 road stop. We firmly believe that the Nord-du-Québec region will continue its development thanks to investments in strategic projects like this one.”

Jonatan Julien, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region

“Developing renewable energy is a priority for our government. The communities of northern Quebec, themselves, are interested in capitalizing on clean energy for their own social and economic development projects. Thanks to these investments, many of our communities, our workforce and tourists to the region will benefit from this energy transition.”

Pierre Dufour, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region

“For the district of Ungava, this is amazing news. This announcement addresses a genuine need for this part of our region. We’ll have a complete and greener infrastructure that will also help tackle the needs of people travelling through this region.”

Denis Lamothe, Member for Ungava

 “This investment clearly demonstrates the willingness of our governments to make a significant commitment to encourage and support the development of northern Quebec. Over time, this project will allow us to save on operating costs for the road stop at km 381 and provide better service to our customers.”

Alain Coulombe, Chief Executive Officer of the Société de développement de la Baie-James

• Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, public transit projects, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

• $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the specific needs of rural and northern communities, such as projects for facilities to ensure food security, local road safety and enhanced broadband connectivity.

• The EcoPerformance Program seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in organizations by funding projects or measures connected with energy use and production, as well as with process improvement. It is financed by the Green Fund, as part of the implementation of the 2013-2020 Climate Change Action Plan, and by the share collected from energy distributors.

• The James Bay Region Development Act, which created the SDBJ, was adopted by the Quebec National Assembly in 1971. As a result, the SDBJ has been in existence for more than 45 years. Its mission is to promote, from a sustainable development perspective, economic development, improvement and exploitation of natural resources other than hydroelectric resources under Hydro-Québec’s mandate, in the James Bay territory. It may, in particular, encourage, support and participate in the implementation of projects toward these ends.

Associated links

• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
• Infrastructure Canada investments – Quebec
• Investing in Canada, Canada’s long-term infrastructure plan
• EcoPerformance Program
• 2013-2020 Climate Change Action Plan
• Government of Quebec 2030 Energy Policy

Alex Howell
Director of Communications and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
Tel.: 819-420-7043
Email: Alex.Howell@cfc-swc.gc.ca

Claude Potvin
Director of Communications and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region
Tel.: 418-643-7295

Carl Charest
Director of Communications and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Abitibi Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region
Tel. : 418-454-4817
Email: carl.charest@mffp.gouv.qc.ca

Alain Coulombe, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Société de développement de la Baie-James
Tel.: 819-739-4717, ext. 1250
Fax: 819-739-4329
Email: alain.coulombe@sdbj.gouv.qc.ca

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Transition énergétique Québec
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