THUNDER BAY – The province of Quebec has embarked on a bold plan to develop the north. Plan Nord is a broad plan designed to help transform and build the economy of the entire province. The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, John Duncan, and the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Denis Lebel, have announced financial assistance for the Akulivik and Ivujivik Cooperative Associations for construction of new hotels in their respective communities.
“Northern Quebec is gearing up for an economic and tourism boom. Construction of these two hotels will enable the communities of Akulivik and Ivujivik to meet their growing demand for accommodation and thereby take full advantage of the region’s economic development,” commented Duncan.
“Our government had no hesitation in supporting the Akulivik and Ivujivik cooperative associations, whose projects will double hotel capacity, offering standards of quality commensurate with the needs of a business clientele,” added Lebel.
The two hotels will each have 16 rooms, as well as common lounges and kitchens.
The financial assistance announced totals $800,000. This is broken down as follows: two non-repayable contributions of $200,000 from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s Aboriginal Business Development Program (ABDP) and two repayable contributions of $200,000 each granted under the Community Diversification Program of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.