Premier promises more roads, subsidized air travel

Quebec premier Jean Charest has pledged to build roads and subsidize air travel as part of his new plan to open up northern Quebec for more tourism, business and new hydroelectric projects.

Standing in front of a screen filled with scenes from northern Quebec, Charest unveiled his new Plan nord [Plan for the North] Sept. 27 at a Liberal Party meeting in Lévis.

"See how magnificent this territory is," Charest said in French, as he gestured to the flashing images of the Lower North Shore, upper Lac St. Jean region and Nunavik. "This – it's majestic. And it's ours, this region. It's our future."

Charest called northern Quebec "a jewel with immense potential" due to its hydroelectric and mining potential, which includes "nickel, copper, platinum, gold, silver, titanium and even diamonds."

Due to climate change, which is opening up northern transportation routes, Charest told the provincial Liberal gathering that it's now time to "rethink" the North, which he described as being "two times larger than France."

Charest said improvements to transportation in northern Quebec will be part of the final plan, which will be released later this fall.

Measures under consideration include the construction of a "trans-taiga" road as well as more subsidies to air transportation, which Charest said would help the residents, industry and tourism.

Charest said the new plan for the North will respect the environment and involve local native communities, particularly youth, promising consultations beforehand.

"I am very realistic," Charest said after his 45-minute speech to the Quebec Liberals. "I know very well that in promoting this proposal, [we shouldn't expect] that there will be automatic support. It won't happen like that. But it will happen."

Charest said another summit on economic development in the North, similar to the Katimajiit meeting held last year in Kuujjuaq, could be in the works.

Conservation groups immediately jumped on Charest's plans to fast track the development of northern Quebec, publicly calling for 50 per cent of the region above the 49th parallel to be protected.