Official opening of Rendez-vous in Gaspé and announcement of the Gaspésie – Îles-de-la-Madeleine Regional Strategic Initiative

Rendez-vous in Gaspé was officially launched late in the morning of June 6 in the presence of the Honourable Claude Drouin, Secretary of State responsible for Canada Economic Development. Nearly 100 guests had assembled. Underscoring the importance of the occasion, the Secretary of State indicated that it was to serve as an opportunity for Gaspé residents and business leaders to learn more, in a relaxed setting, about the programs and services offered by the Government of Canada.

Mr. Drouin also took this opportunity to announce the Gaspésie – Îles-de-la-Madeleine Regional Strategic Initiative, a four-year, $15.5 million program. This initiative is aimed at diversifying and developing the regional economy based on niches of excellence specific to the Gaspé and Magdalen Islands. Such niches include tourism, wind power, forestry and non-wood forest products, and new technologies. The initiative would also be aimed at retaining and increasing regional knowledge. These development sectors, identified with the assistance of regional stakeholders, were also some of the main themes discussed during the Business Contact event.