Mr. Speaker, regional economic recovery is an absolute priority for all Quebecers and Canadians.
I would like to mention two cases in my region of Abitibi, where companies are acting responsibly in this regard. They are Forpan and Agnico Eagle, in Val-d'Or. Forpan will invest $8.3 million to increase the capacity of its particle board plant by 25 per cent. Through this investment, the company will increase its competitiveness on the international market and preserve jobs in the region.
Agnico Eagle will invest $13 million and provide jobs for some 40 workers during the next two years in mining exploration.
These are two concrete examples of economic recovery activities undertaken by energetic entrepreneurs capitalizing on the region's potential.