Pontiac MNA André Fortin stands with Warden Raymon Durocher.
Allyson Beauregard
CAMPBELL’S BAY –
Pontiac MNA André Fortin stands with Warden Raymon Durocher.
Allyson Beauregard
CAMPBELL’S BAY –
The Quebec government recently announced the creation of a tactical intervention group (an economic SWAT team) charged with promoting economic development in the Pontiac region. Pontiac MNA André Fortin delivered the news of the group’s
creation to elected officials and MRC Pontiac personnel, March 6, at the
MRC Pontiac building.
Setup and coordination of the group will be handled by the Ministry of the Economy, Science and Innovation; there will be between 30 to 40 members including local elected officials, business people, other economic stakeholders, federal partners like the SADC, as well as agencies and ministries of the Quebec government. The group will meet monthly with the MRC Pontiac’s current economic development committee who will submit growth generating projects that align with the five strategic areas in Vision Pontiac 2020.
“This important intervention group will spur synergy among the economic stakeholders in the region. Its mission is to accelerate the study of investment projects by submitting preliminary financial and technical proposals to investors,” said Fortin, noting this is only the second time the government has implemented an
economic development “SWAT team”.
A similar team was created in the Lac St. Jean area and, according to Fortin, has been successful at attracting new businesses, helping existing businesses expand, coming up with creative and innovative solutions, and speeding up the process of obtaining government investment.
“This group will ensure we will not miss an opportunity for economic development. Nothing will slip through our fingers,” he added.
Warden Raymond Durocher stressed it is very encouraging news for the Pontiac and is “a golden opportunity”. “This will allow us to seize opportunities and build our future. The MRC has graduated from the junior leagues and is now in
the senior league,” he said, stressing that the Pontiac’s potential is immense.
The group’s first meeting will take place later this month where members will do an inventory of the projects requiring attention.
