Did you know that...?

Thousands of people around the world read their newspaper printed on newsprint made in Québec. It's only natural, as Québec is the leading exporter of newsprint in the world.

The forest industry is a cornerstone of Québec’s economy. In the manufacturing sector alone, one job in seven is forest-related. In addition, close to 250 municipalities throughout Québec depend directly on forest and wood-processing activities.

Québec is Canada’s leading province in the production of pulp, paper and paperboard. Accounting for 42% of the country’s total output, Québec also weighs in for a 3% share of global production. This comes as no real surprise, considering that Québec is home to more than 64 pulp, paper and paperboard mills.

Most of the paper and paperboard you use every day is manufactured from black spruce—a species of tree that grows in abundance in Québec. Owing to its long, highly resistant fibre, black spruce is highly sought after for the production of a range of papers and paperboards.

Canada opens new U.S. consulates
This phase of expansion, scheduled to be completed by fall 2004, will strengthen Canada’s ability to defend its interests on vital economic, policy and security issues. In addition, it should serve to establish innovative strategic partnerships in major American urban centres emerging as economic powers. It’s worth recalling that bilateral trade between Canada and the United States exceeds $560 billion annually. With a Consulate General in Denver and consulates in Houston, Raleigh-Durham, San Diego, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Anchorage, Canada will now be represented in the United States by no fewer than 22 government offices. For further information, please visit: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am.
Véronique Folny

Québec entrepreneurship contest. Now’s the time to enter!
This contest features a “job creation” component targeted at people ages 18 and over who cherish a project of one day starting their own business. Projects may be entered under any of the following six categories: technological and technical innovations, business, services, extracting-processing-production, social economy and agri-food. Interested candidates have until March 26 to enter their project in this contest. The winners will be announced on May 6 and will then move on to the Québec-wide championship. All contest details can be viewed at: www.concours-entrepreneurs.org.