Arnaud de la Salle
(tr. AB)
CAMPBELL’S BAY – In an interview with CHIP FM, Pontiac MP Will Amos announced that he is following through with his election promise to hold an economic forum to assess the Pontiac riding’s needs, expectations, dynamism and economic potential.
Arnaud de la Salle
(tr. AB)
CAMPBELL’S BAY – In an interview with CHIP FM, Pontiac MP Will Amos announced that he is following through with his election promise to hold an economic forum to assess the Pontiac riding’s needs, expectations, dynamism and economic potential.
According to Amos, the process will begin with a “summit” involving Gatineau and three MRCs – Pontiac, Vallée de-la-Gatineau, and MRC des Collines –
followed by an economic forum in each MRC. The summit is expected to be held in early September. “The goal is to rally the forces and engage everyone in order to advance prospects during a regional event that will demonstrate what direction to take. Afterwards, we will echo the major priorities and projects that were identified
during the summit at an economic forum held in each MRC. This will
be an opportunity for entrepreneurs and local representatives to move forward on more concrete projects that will be realized on the ground,” he said.
Amos also highlighted the federal budget, drawing attention to tax cuts for the middle class as well as increased aid to families with children – $6,400 per child under six years old and $5,400 per child under 18 will be paid to families earning less than $30,000 annually. “These measures will have a direct impact on consumption and businesses in the Pontiac will see their operations benefit quickly,” he added.
The budget also includes infrastructure investments that will finance projects submitted by MRCs and their municipalities. It will require mobilization of the latter to provoke the realization of numerous infrastructure projects that will boost the
economy and create jobs in the region.
The possibility of creating a National Park in the Pontiac, notably in Rapides-des-Joachims, is being explored and Amos said he is very interested in the file. He said consultation with all levels of government is required, including
representatives of the Algonquins, but he admitted it is a complicated project that will require a long-term vision. “It will surely be a question in the near future in order to gain the attention and support of the public. It would
be very beneficial for the Pontiac and its eco-tourism sector to bear the trademark of an area with a National Park.