Press release
Quebec's 2006-2015 energy strategy:
An engine of development for Quebec
Montreal, May 4, 2006 The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal welcomes the energy strategy presented today by Jean Charest, premier of Quebec, and Pierre Corbeil, Quebec's minister of natural resources, to ensure a stable and predictable energy supply for individuals and companies.
In many respects, Quebec finds itself in an extremely enviable position regarding the production and sale of energy. The province has major resources, significant development potential, and the ability to store energy and sell it on external markets when prices are high. Few governments can count on such assets and, for the Board of Trade, Quebec cannot afford not to take advantage of its energy resources and the expertise it has developed. This strategy is thus a very important initiative that will help finance the Generations Fund and reduce the debt, declared Isabelle Hudon, president and CEO of the Board of Trade.
Given that energy resources are a source of wealth important to the development of Quebec's economy, that Quebec has enormous unexploited potential for energy production particularly in northern Quebec and that the recommended sources of energy production are renewable, the Board of Trade is pleased by today's announcement of concrete actions making it possible to exploit a resource that will benefit all Quebecers, added Hudon.
Through a policy of competitive electricity rates and by maintaining energy blocks, the government is making energy a true lever for the economic development of companies. To avoid rate shock, it is important to ensure the long-term stability and predictability of rates to ensure the productivity and competitiveness of companies and stimulate investment. In addition, the decision to prioritize innovative energy sources and, in particular, the implementation of tax measures compensating for the additional costs of biodiesel fuel demonstrate the government's commitment to making clean energy a source of development for Quebec, said Hudon.
Historically, Quebec has always chosen to offer economical electricity rates to both individuals and companies. For the Board of Trade, this decision constitutes an extremely important competitive factor, particularly for companies, whether they are major energy consumers or of a smaller size, such as some SMEs in the manufacturing sector. Such a comparative advantage greatly helps to attract and retain companies and investors throughout Quebec, concluded Hudon.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montreal and to provide individuals, merchants and 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 the largest private organization in Quebec dedicated to economic development.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Coordinator, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: (514) 871-4000, ext. 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca