Media Centre

Press Releases

2009

Suzann Méthot joins the Canadian Boreal Initiative as regional director, Quebec

Montreal, October 29, 2009 – The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Suzanne Méthot as regional director for Quebec.

"Ms. Méthot’s solid knowledge of the environmental milieu in Quebec and her extensive networks, particularly among First Nations communities, represent exactly what we were seeking to complement our vibrant national team," said Larry Innes, CBI’s executive director. “Her work over recent years, focused on the principles of sustainable development, represents CBI’s core values," he continued.

Previously Ms. Méthot was advisor for sustainable development and public relations for the Société de développement Angus. She is a member of the board of directors of Projets Saint-Laurent (Earth Day) and, until recently, a member of CRE Montréal’s board.

Plan Nord consulation table

The Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife has invited Ms. Méthot to represent CBI at the Plan Nord consulation table on November 6, adding her voice to those of conservation and First Nations leaders, and representatives from business and local communities. "Our goal is to foster the development of a comprehensive land conservation program before establishing new development projects in intact areas. We must ensure that proposed solutions are achievable and sustainable," stressed Ms. Méthot.

"We believe that Minister Normandeau’s approach is inclusive and will help ensure the sustainability of the area’s resource,” added Ms. Méthot. “With this in mind, First Nations leaders must play a leading role in developing the Plan Nord, which must include government-to-government agreements. All stakeholders must be heard, as reconciling development and conservation in the North benefits all those involved."

As laid out in the Plan Nord, and responding to the call of 500 national and international scientists, Premier Jean Charest has pledged to protect half of the area covered by the Plan Nord from any new industrial, mining or energy development.

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Canadian Boreal Initiative
Created in 2003, CBI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and sustainable management of Canada's Boreal forest. CBI brings together diverse partners to create new solutions for Boreal conservation and acts as a catalyst for on-the-ground efforts across the Boreal forest by governments, industry, aboriginal communities, conservation groups, major retailers, financial institutions and scientists.
For more details, please contact:

Suzann Méthot, regional director, Quebec
514.792.1843 smethot <at> borealcanada ca

Suzanne Fraser, Director of communications,
613.552.7277 sfraser<at> borealcanada ca