Attendees at the Naturallia conference in Sudbury received an informative presentation by Jean Charest, Nov. 12, as the natural resource sector forum reached its peak. The ex-premiere of Quebec advocated for the importance of Northern Ontario and Canada's “access to the global supply chain.”
Charest was the keynote speaker for the event's fourth edition. The event relies on a “speed dating” technique that introduces participants based on mutual interests and goals.
At the final dinner, Charest shared predictions and warnings for Canada's natural resource sector to an audience of around 200.
The forum brought together delegates from elsewhere in Ontario and Canada, U.S., South America, Europe and Africa in an attempt to link Northern Ontario participants to external markets.
Charest pointed specifically to the lack of diversity in export markets as a major concern. Currently, 70 per cent of Canada's exports go to the U.S. While the U.S. is Canada's primary trading partner, Canada was recently overtaken by China as America’s primary partner.
Northern Ontario is in a similar position to northern Quebec, and with similar opportunities for international partnerships and investments, said Charest.
“It's a vast territory, with a small population, a lot of resources and a very urgent need for infrastructure if the resource sector is going to play its full role,” he said.
Plan Nord was Charest's economic development plan for sustainable resource extraction in northern Quebec, one that opened up opportunities for international trade and investment, while building up local economies. His legacy is largely viewed as one of economic development and environmental action.
Charest left politics behind in 2012 and now provides legal advice as a partner of the McCarthy Tétrault law firm, specializing in international business.
