Press Release

Québec, November 14, 2011. – Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks Pierre Arcand announced that under the authority granted him by the Parks Act, he has mandated Mr. Johnny N. Adams to hold public hearings in regard to the creation of the Monts-Pyramides National Park. The public hearings will take place between November 21^st and November 25^th in the communities of Kangiqsualujjuaq, Kuujjuaq and Kawawachikamach.

“I invite all interested parties, and in particular Inuit and Naskapi peoples and community organizations, to make their comments regarding the creation of the Monts-Pyramides National Park known to Mr. Adams. This new national park will preserve exceptional elements of Québec’s Northern biodiversity by protecting part of the rivière George in particular, and will have significant spin-offs for the social and economic development of Nunavik,” Minister Arcand stated.

Mr. Adams has held key positions for many years within the Inuit nation, notably as Mayor of Kuujjuaq from 1991 to 1997 then as President of the Kativik Regional Government until 2005. In 2007 and 2008, he also chaired the public hearings on the Kuururjuaq and Tursujuq national park projects.

Dates, Times and Venues of the Public Hearings

How to Participate and Submit a Brief

Interested individuals and organizations that wish to attend the public hearings are requested to make their intentions known, and may submit a brief that sets out their position prior to November 16, 2011.

The ways and means for participating in the public hearings, submitting a brief or consulting background documents about the Monts-Pyramides national park project are posted on the Ministère’s Internet site at www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/parcs/monts-pyramides/. Printed versions of documents may also be obtained upon request.

Plan Nord

The Monts-Pyramides national park is among the major projects aimed at protecting the environment, ecosystems and Northern biodiversity that lie at the heart of the challenges of the Plan Nord.

Unveiled last May 9^th, the Plan Nord is one of the biggest sustainable development projects in the history of Québec. It will be rolled out over 25 years and involve investments in excess of 80 billion dollars during the same period. The Plan Nord incorporates energy, mining, forest, bio-food, tourism and transportation development as well as wildlife development, the protection of the environment and the conservation of biodiversity. It fosters development that is beneficial to local communities and to all of Québec, while respecting cultures and identities.

www.plannord.gouv.qc.ca

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