For the first time in their history, the City of Quebec and the Huron-Wendat Nation ratify an Economic Development Cooperation Agreement.
• Also read: Inflation: City of Québec needs to pull $9.5 million from its reserves
“It’s an opportunity to sit down for the first time because it’s never been done before. Surprisingly, we’ve lived together for 400 years, but for the first time, we’re really going to sit down together, the Huron-Wendat nation and the city of Quebec, to talk specifically about economic development and create joint projects that have spin-offs for both communities,” said Wendake Grand Chief Rémy Vincent.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
The Great Chief of Wendake, Rémy Vincent.
3 year contract
He was at City Hall on Monday, where he formalized the three-year agreement with Quebec Mayor Bruno Marchand on the eve of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Both partners have applied to join the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI).
Eight locations in Canada were selected from 34 applications.
“As far as I know, it’s the first in Quebec,” said Rémy Vincent.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
The initiative will formalize the discussion between the two parties.
For Mayor Marchand, this is an opportunity to develop a shared vision for the city and the Huron wendats, who have worked together at multiple levels for years.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
“We are supported by a Canadian initiative that is helping us develop a common strategy.”
Then the funds from different envelopes, such as that of entrepreneurial vision, can be used to support the projects.
The National Defense land development project in Sainte-Foy, for example, could benefit from this. Or the course Onhwa’Lumina, in terms of tourism, which will be inaugurated tomorrow.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
“It can be Wendake SMEs settling on the territory, or Quebec SMEs working with people from Wendake,” explained Mr. Marchand, who sees it as a “stepping stone” that can downsize and inspire others.
symbol strength
For the Grand Chief, this agreement is symbolic and he is happy to be seen as an equal.
“We want to get closer and participate as fully as possible in the economic life of Québec City. And on the mayor’s side, the will is also there.
“Things don’t go so well everywhere in Canada, between communities and their city,” added Mr. Marchand. If we’re fortunate that things are going well here, it’s because we have leaders and a community that’s rooted and strong, but also has a desire to work together.
The mayor will present the decision for approval by the municipal council on Monday evening.
Indeed, the first step in this process is to “officially confirm the participation of the City of Quebec in this initiative for the period from June 20, 2022 to June 20, 2025,” according to the executive committee summary.
“I count on the support of my colleagues,” said Bruno Marchand.