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Opening the North Through Logistical and Technological Development
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Room 303AB - Société du Plan Nord
The vast territory of Northern Quebec is increasingly open to economic development. In the long term, certain initiatives will enable a future vision of infrastructure development to be projected for the territory. But in the shorter term, who are the key economic players and what role do they play in the region’s sustainable development? How do they take into account the future visions that are taking shape? What transport and telecommunications infrastructures need to be put in place to support short-term growth? And how can we ensure that projects are well received by host communities?
This session will be offered in both French and English.
9:30 a.m.
Welcome Address
9:45
Société du Plan Nord: Acting for the Benefit of Northern Communities
Conference details
Created in 2015, the Société du Plan Nord (SPN) is tasked with contributing to the integrated and coherent development of Quebec’s northern territory from a sustainable development perspective. Through its knowledge and ability to implement solutions, it addresses the specific characteristics of the territory.
The SPN focuses on four key aspects:
- Provide easy access to the region;
- Support businesses;
- Promote the well-being of communities;
- Take action to protect the environment.
For each of these four aspects, we will present different measures designed to ensure the sustainability of projects. We will explain our decision-making process, which is based on an assessment of the benefits and risks of projects in terms of sustainable development. The presentation will be accompanied by examples of concrete achievements from mission activities and the two Nordic action plans (2015–2020 and 2020–2023).
The notion of the social acceptability of projects will also be addressed. We will look at how to identify the risks associated with projects and the importance of ensuring that every development project has a risk management plan and mitigation measures.
10:25
The Société de développement de la Baie-James to Increase the Potential of our Strategic Transport Infrastructures
Conference details
Created in 1971, the mission of the Société de développement de la Baie-James (SDBJ) is to promote, from a sustainable development perspective, the economic development, enhancement and exploitation of natural resources other than hydroelectric resources in the James Bay region. In particular, it may initiate, support and participate in projects aiming to achieve these goals.
As an agent of the Crown, SDBJ operates a large portion of the road network in the James Bay region, as well as several airports and airdromes, on behalf of clients such as Hydro-Québec and the Ministère du Transport et de la Mobilité durable (MTMD). In the near future, the SDBJ plans to expand into the railway sector.
We invite you to discover how SDBJ, in partnership with local stakeholders, is using the transport infrastructure for which it is responsible as a lever for development and economic growth. We will also show you how logistical and technological improvements will significantly increase access and development of the James Bay region.
11:00
Panel discussion: Société du Plan Nord (SPN) and Société de développement de la Baie-James (SDBJ)
11:25
Acknowledgements and Closing Remarks
