THE PORT OF QUÉBEC COMMITS TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE ACTION FUND FOR THE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF ECOSYSTEMS

11/07/2023

Québec City, November 8, 2023 – The Port of Québec is pleased to announce jointly with the Saint Lawrence Action Fund a partnership to finance projects promoting the conservation and development of ecosystems on port territory. The five-year agreement calls for an investment of $350,000, with the Port of Québec providing half.

During its most recent strategic planning, which culminated with the presentation of Vision 2035, the Port of Québec envisioned developing strategies aimed at ecological integrity and the preservation of biodiversity, whilst creating promising local and international partnerships for environmental management. The partnership with the Saint Lawrence Action Fund fits perfectly with these goals.

“The Port of Québec is a collective infrastructure that comes with great responsibility, particularly concerning the environment. The era of simple environmental compensation for industrial activities is past: now, more than ever, the maritime community is aware of the importance of not only conserving ecosystems, but also helping them thrive. This initiative is another step in this direction,” declared Port of Québec CEO Mario Girard.

“We are happy with this five-year commitment which will enable us to enhance our mission and have a tangible impact on rehabilitating riverbanks, fostering biodiversity, and protecting ecosystems. Beyond the financial aspect of this agreement, we underline the Port of Québec’s serious and sincere long-term commitment to this undertaking,” added Saint Lawrence Action Fund General Manager, Frédéric de Beaumont.

Each year, as part of this partnership, both organizations will jointly identify the chosen projects. They will be selected according to their structuring character, and especially from the benefits they can provide for the conservation and development of the region’s natural ecosystems.

About Port of Québec 
The Québec Port Authority, a non-profit organization, manages the Port of Québec which is strategically located to serve North America’s industrial and agricultural heartland. This Canadian hub for international trade for both the import and export of goods is the only port in the province of Québec with a fifteen-meter depth of water at low tide and a comprehensive intermodal infrastructure. The port facilities generate 12,000 jobs and about two billion dollars in economic activity.

The Port of Québec’s Vision 2035 underlines its desire for citizens to recognize it for its responsible management of the territory, respect for the environment, and protection of biodiversity, as it positions itself as a world leader in the development of sustainable supply chains serving a more resilient economy.

About the Saint Lawrence Action Fund
The Saint Lawrence Action Fund (SLAF) promotes the conservation of ecosystems and maintaining the uses of the Saint Lawrence River and its gulf by supporting conservation, enhancement, and rehabilitation efforts along the river, as well as education and awareness projects about the river’s challenges.

 

From left to right: Frédéric de Beaumont, General Manager, SLAF; Alexandre Béland, Program Manager, SLAF; Philippe Charest-Gélinas, Director, Environment, Port of Québec; Hugues Paris, Vice President, Infrastructures and Environment, Port of Québec; Carl Robitaille, President, SLAF and Mario Girard, CEO, Port of Québec

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Source and information:
Frédéric Lagacé
Communications Director - Port of Québec
418 929-5031
[email protected]

Frédéric de Beaumont 
General Manager - Saint Lawrence Action Fund
[email protected]
418 648-8079