Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the exceptional work being done by the Consortium de la recherche sur la forêt boréale commerciale, of the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, which was selected by the Conseil de la recherche forestière du Québec for the Méritas 1999 award. This award highlights the role and work of the consortium, the activities of which are co-ordinated by researcher Réjean Gagnon.
The consortium, which is involved in very important work, such as research on the boreal forest and sustainable development, is seen in Quebec as a model of co-operation and rapprochement between the research community and users.
The new soil protection and recuperation method developed by the consortium will change reforestation practices and approach throughout Quebec. The presence of such organizations in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region can only further spur the growth of this already very dynamic region.
We wish you much success in this groundbreaking work—