Qubec is open for business

Having been to Qubec City several times before, I was looking forward to a return trip to this charming and historic city. Most of my previous trips were for pleasure, usually a week in the middle of winter to enjoy the fabulous skiing at Mount St. Anne. My last visit was two years ago with my family and in-laws for a reunion of the 3rd Anti-Tank Regiment of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. My father-in-law landed with the regiment on D-Day plus one and in between the old stories and reunion events there was ample opportunity to walk around and reacquaint myself with the old city.

With each of my past trips I’ve always been a little apprehensive but I’ve never been able to understand why. I’ve found people in Qubec to be very friendly and most of my attempts to speak with others, stammering through with my best, rusty high school French, were met with slow, polite responses and the odd smile. Perhaps my apprehension has more to do with the fact Qubec is not like any other place in Canada. Often times, visitors will comment that it seems more European than Canadian. Maybe Qubec is truly different and it’s this difference, and how we see each other, that causes me concern.

When I arrived in Qubec a few weeks ago, I stopped thinking about the past and focused on the present. The purpose of this trip was to meet with two knowledgeable individuals and discuss the state of Qubec’s mining industry for our second Mining in Qubec issue. As I would soon find out, the trip proved to be interesting because of the changes occurring in the Qubec mining scene but also because it helped shed some light on how outside interests are perceived within Qubec.

My first meeting was with Alain Simard, director of Gologie Qubec, and the discussion that followed was very positive. He noted that a report published by the Fraser Institute ranked Qubec as the best province for mining based on mineral potential and business climate. Simard stated that the mining industry in Qubec remains healthy but in order for it to grow, Qubec needs to attract investment from elsewhere in Canada. As a result, the Ministry of Natural Resources has decided to transform the Gologie Qubec open house into a large conference complete with a trade show, exhibits, short courses and field trips. By doing so, it hopes those who are unaware of Qubec’s potential will see the opportunities. More importantly, industry will understand it is not only welcome but encouraged to explore in Qubec.

My next meeting was with the Honourable Sam Hamad, the newly appointed Minister of Natural Resources. The change in government (from Parti Qubequois to Liberal) has brought a positive change in attitude towards business in general. Hamad believes his role, the role of the ministry and the role of the provincial government is one in the same: to create a stable business climate in which companies will move to Qubec and generate earnings, growth and prosperity, thereby creating more jobs and greater wealth. His mission is to ensure that the ministry acts as a partner with business in order to achieve these objectives.

No issue dedicated to mining in Qubec would be complete without a look into some of the premier mining operations within the province. Within you will find feature stories on Falconbridge’s Raglan nickel mine, Agnico-Eagle’s LaRonde polymetallic mine and Cambior’s Niobec niobium mine.

On a personal note, CMJ readers will note the absence of Jane Werniuk on the editorial page. Jane has not left the editor’s post, but is taking a well-deserved leave of absence. I would like to extend my thanks to her for her assistance and direction, especially while on leave, and we look forward to her quick return.