Northern Plan: Charest, eyeing his legacy, promises multibillion-dollar projects

Quebec Premier Jean Charest speaks at the presentation of the Quebec Northern Plan Monday, May 9, 2011 in Levis Que. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

By The Canadian Press

LEVIS, Que. - Premier Jean Charest says an ambitious plan announced Monday to develop Quebec's north is key to the province's future and will see $80 billion in investment during the next 25 years.

The Plan Nord — or "Northern Plan" — would develop an area twice the size of France, touching on energy development, mining, infrastructure, tourism and conservation.

"The Plan Nord is synonymous with hope," Charest said in making the announcement, describing the effort as "a partnership between the Cree nation, the Inuit and all Quebecers."

Besides eventually generating $14 billion for provincial coffers and creating an expected 20,000 jobs, the plan seeks to exploit mineral deposits in the area such as iron, nickel, and diamonds.

An initial $2.1 billion will be spent by Quebec on infrastructure such as roads and airports as well as feasibility studies.

Political observers have long considered the plan — which Charest had promised for years — a potential centrepiece of the premier's political legacy.

It is expected to generate about 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy for the province.

Besides energy, the northern plan also sets aside a vast territory that would be exempt from industrial development.

The region covers about 1.2 million square kilometres and includes Nunavik and James Bay.

However, the chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador said he was boycotting the announcement because the plan did not adequately meet the needs of First Nations people.