August 6, 2025 Val-d'Or, Quebec Natural Resources Canada
Fostering inclusive economic development and ensuring that local communities, including Indigenous partners, benefit from these opportunities are key priorities for the Government of Canada.
Today, Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, concluded a two-day tour of Northern Quebec, where he highlighted the importance of Quebec's mining and forest sectors in building Canada's supply chains and export opportunities, creating good jobs, and strengthening reconciliation.
During his trip, Parliamentary Secretary Guay met with the Val-d'Or Chamber of Commerce and various Quebec natural resource industry leaders for a roundtable discussion on opportunities in the mining and forest sectors, with a focus on workforce development, infrastructure, regulatory efficiency and collaboration with Indigenous partners to support sustainable growth in the region. He heard local perspectives on how the region's future should be shaped and underscored the essential role natural resources will continue to play in driving economic growth and resilience across Quebec and beyond.
Parliamentary Secretary Guay also visited Sayona's North American Lithium mine and the Val-d'Or Native Friendship Centre. The potential for lithium production at Sayona's operating mine - essential for clean energy technologies -reinforces Quebec's and Canada's position as a global leader in responsible and innovative critical mineral development. While visiting the Val-d'Or Native Friendship Centre, the Parliamentary Secretary joined Minister Gull-Masty and the Executive Director along with the CEO of the National Association of Friendship Centres, Jocelyn Formsma, to discuss Indigenous participation in the region's natural resources industry and ways the Government and industry partners can better support local Indigenous communities.
Parliamentary Secretary Guay concluded the trip with a visit to Les Chantiers Chibougamau's Kraft Pulp Mill in Lebel-sur-Quevillon and their head manufacturing plant in Chibougamau. These sites are key examples of Quebec's forest sector excellence and innovation in modernizing the industry, accelerating affordable housing and promoting green construction using value-added Canadian wood-based products.
Quebec is rich in the natural resources and expertise needed to retool Canada's economy and ensure it remains strong, sustainable and sovereign. Throughout his tour, Parliamentary Secretary Guay reaffirmed the Government's commitment to building the infrastructure and partnerships that will sustain Canada's leadership in responsible and sustainable natural resource development.
