The governments of Canada and Quebec support the sustainable and ethical development of the North

QUÉBEC CITY, Aug. 17, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec understand that research and innovation are essential to enable organizations to be competitive and to promote economic prosperity in a manner respectful of the environment. Investing in research is necessary to build strong and sustainable communities. 

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Québec City; Joël Lightbound, Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance; and Sébastien Proulx, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and Minister Responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region, today announced that the governments of Canada and Quebec will invest over $53 million for the construction of the main building of the Institut nordique du Québec (INQ) on the campus of Laval University.

The Government of Canada's contribution of over $25.5 million is coming from the New Building Canada Fund ? Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component ? National and Regional Projects, while the Government of Quebec is investing $27.5 million through the Société du Plan Nord. These contributions round out the governmental financial package for the $83.5-million project to build the Institut nordique du Québec complex. Laval University and its partners are assuming the final portion of the financing, valued at over $30 million. This includes $5 million from the City of Québec.

The Institut nordique du Québec brings together Quebec and Canadian expertise in northern and Arctic sciences to support the sustainable development of Northern Quebec and the Canadian Arctic. The INQ will acquire a main research hall on the campus of Laval University, an emblematic building symbolic of northern life. It will serve as a hub for various Quebec centres of northern excellence, assembling a wide variety of scientific disciplines, including social sciences and the humanities, natural and health sciences, and engineering.

The specialized facilities will include laboratories, warehouses, and workshops devoted to technological innovation and preparation for northern missions on both land and sea. The hall will have the installations necessary for communicating with northern communities and the other partners and for distance education. In all, the building will accommodate over 200 regular researchers, researchers in residence, Indigenous researchers, professionals and graduate students.

Quotes

"I am very happy to announce the Government of Canada's contribution, which will permit the construction of this new space dedicated to northern studies. Investments like the one we are marking today, reflect our commitment to deliver an historic infrastructure plan, not only to create jobs and new opportunities for the middle class, but also to lay the foundations for sustained, long-term economic growth for all Canadians. In this way we will help to build strong, resilient and inclusive communities that will be competitive in this 21st-century economy and will guarantee success for future generations."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The Institut nordique du Québec plays an essential role in bringing together the best talent in northern and Arctic research to find innovative and ethical solutions to our challenges in the North. By bringing together the experience, knowledge and skills of various experts?particularly Indigenous experts?we will be helping to build a prosperous, sustainable region of dynamic and healthy communities in the years to come."

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Québec City

"I am delighted to note that this new site will be opening on the campus of Laval University, in the riding of Louis-Hébert. The campus offers a research and living environment of great quality for students, teaching staff, administrative personnel, researchers and visitors alike. With its plentiful green space, proximity to the Québec City centre, dynamic environment and community spirit, it offers a most welcoming setting for the Institut nordique du Québec."

Joël Lightbound, Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

"A project such as the Institut nordique du Québec once again consolidates the capital role of the Capitale-Nationale region. The construction of the new complex at Laval University, a flagship institution of Québec City, it will be recognized as a hub of northern knowledge. This puts the Capitale-Nationale in an excellent position to disseminate newly acquired knowledge about the North both here and abroad."

Sébastien Proulx, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, Minister Responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region

"These financial contributions for the construction of the main building of the Institut nordique du Québec bring us closer to the realization of this great visionary project. This also represents a significant step in the implementation of the Plan Nord du Québec. The Institut nordique du Québec is an important part of the Plan Nord, a sustainable development strategy which is founded on scientific knowledge from a variety of disciplines. The Institut nordique du Québec will allow us to promote the full potential of Northern Quebec, to inhabit it sustainably, and also to protect it."

Pierre Moreau, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister Responsible for Plan Nord and Minister Responsible for the Gaspésie?Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region

"I am pleased that this construction project is coming to life on Québec City's territory. The pavillon Institut nordique du Québec will bring new energy to the research sector and set a positive example which, I hope, will spread to all the innovation sectors that are developing in our city."

Régis Labeaume, Mayor of Québec City

"Laval University is today celebrating the vision and support of the governments of Canada and Quebec, and Québec City for the construction of the main research hall of the INQ on its campus. These major government-municipal investments totalling $58 million make it possible to realize one of the most promising projects for our university and our society. This project also serves to consolidate partnerships developed with northern communities, the Indigenous Nations of the North, the 15 universities that are members of the INQ, the college community, and private-sector stakeholders. The new building will be a research site for northern development that will promote interdisciplinary cooperation and teamwork. In addition to becoming an indispensable reference for all northern centres of excellence, it will enhance the influence of Quebec and Canada on the international stage."

Sophie D'Amours, Chancellor of Laval University

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• The objective of the Plan Nord is to promote the potential for mining, forestry, energy, tourism, and social and cultural development in Quebec, north of the 49th parallel. It will create jobs and wealth for northern communities and for Quebec as a whole, while ensuring respect for the northern population and the environment. By harmonizing the economic, social and environmental aspects of the Plan Nord, the Quebec government intends to make it a responsible, sustainable and unifying project for Quebec society. The Société du Plan Nord is the organization responsible for its implementation.
• The INQ's vision reflects the will and determination of its partners to develop a sustainable North based on the foundations of knowledge. It is based on the integration of scientific knowledge and community know-how, including Indigenous knowledge. It is being deployed in partnership with the public and private sectors, with a view to developing the Canadian Arctic and Northern Quebec for future generations.

Associated Links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html

Société du Plan Nord: https://plannord.gouv.qc.ca/en/

Institut nordique du Québec: https://inq.ulaval.ca/en

Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport