Immigration: a France-Québec task force is created A joint declaration announcing the creation of a France-Québec migration movement and integration working group was signed in Paris on September 14 by the French Minister of Immigration and Integration, National Identity and Mutually-Supportive Development, Éric Besson, and the Québec Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities, Yolande James.

Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers: in support of a green economy Premiers and governors attending the 33rd Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (CNEG/ECP) renewed their commitment to a greener, more environmentally friendly economy. Premier Jean Charest was in Saint John, New Brunswick to participate in the meeting, whose theme was “Close Collaboration – Stronger Economies.”

150th anniversary of the Consulate General of France in Québec City On September 8, political figures, historians and observers of France-Québec relations took part in the Symposium on the 150th anniversary of the Consulate General of France in Québec City. The event made it possible to mark the milestones of France-Québec relations since the institution of the French diplomatic post in Québec City in 1859 and determine new prospects for this fruitful collaboration.

Québec embarks on developing new green energy sources The Québec government recently announced the establishment of a green energy technology development assistance program funded by an $8M budget. The two-year program is intended to stimulate research and innovation, foster an increase in the number of demonstrated new green energy technologies, and contribute to company growth and job creation.

Three international events launch the 2009-2010 arts season in Montreal The Montreal World Film Festival, Le Mois de la photo à Montréal and the Festival international de la littérature are some of the international events that will kick off an exciting new season in Montreal.

Climate change: Japan expresses interest in carbon tax system A Japanese delegation visited Québec City on August 19 to study Québec’s carbon tax system implemented in 2007. The first initiative of its kind in North America, the carbon tax system assigns a role to energy distribution companies as part of the provincial government’s climate change efforts.

BIXI conquers London and Boston The UK and New England will soon be reaping the benefits of BIXI, the City of Montréal’s bicycle sharing service. Two contracts covering the manufacture of more than 8,000 bikes have been signed to implement the system next year in London and Boston

Minister Arcand speaks on renewable energy at TransAmerica Conference Pierre Arcand, Minister of International Relations and Minister responsible for La Francophonie, took part in workshops on energy and climate change held during the 25th TransAmerica Conference on Canadian-American relations, organized by the Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange. Held in Ottawa, the conference was attended by Canadian parliamentarians and government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, academics and members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin makes his debut in New York Québec conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin made his New York debut at Avery Fisher Hall on August 4-5 as part of the Mostly Mozart Festival.

49th annual meeting of the ERC-CSG in Burlington: success for Québec From August 2-5, three members of Québec’s National Assembly, Stéphane Billette (representing the riding of Huntingdon), François Ouimet (Marquette) and François Rebello (La Prairie) played an active role in the annual meeting of the Eastern Regional Conference of the Council of State Governments (ERC-CSG), which was held this year in Burlington, Vermont.

Nézet-Séguin whirlwind touches down in New York Québec conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin will make his debut at New York’s prestigious Avery Fisher Hall on August 4-5 as part of the Mostly Mozart Festival.

Canada’s visa requirement: Québec and Mexico seek possible solutions The Minister of International Relations and Minister Responsible for La Francophonie, Pierre Arcand, met with the Consul General of Mexico in Montréal, Edgardo Flores Rivas, on July 28 to reaffirm the importance and extent of relations between Québec and Mexico.

Minister Gignac to attend the SEUS-CP Alliance meeting On July 26, 27 and 28, the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Clément Gignac, will travel to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in order to participate in the third meeting of the Southeastern United States–Canadian Provinces Alliance (SEUS-CP). He will be accompanied by business professionals and representatives from the research industry in Québec.

Climate change: Québec joins UNDP initiative Premier Jean Charest recently announced that Québec and Manitoba will be the first two North American subnational governments to join the Territorial Approach to Climate Change, a new initiative promoted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The announcement was made in Brussels on June 26 during Mr. Charest’s official visit to Europe.

Georgia studies Québec’s healthcare approach In early July, Dr. Rhonda Medows, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health, visited Montréal and Québec City to familiarize herself with the provincial healthcare system. At a meeting with Yves Bolduc, Minister of Health and Social Services, discussions focused on the similarities and differences between Québec’s and Georgia’s systems and on bilateral public health challenges.

Québec Day in Vermont For the 400th anniversary of Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, the Minister of International Relations and Minister responsible for La Francophonie, Pierre Arcand, unveiled the sculpture given by the Québec government on July 10 to the Governor of the State of Vermont, James H. Douglas, and the Mayor of Burlington, Bob Kiss.

Mayor of Phoenix visits Montréal Earlier this week, the City of Montréal welcomed the Mayor of Phoenix, Phil Gordon. The Mayor’s entourage included representatives of the Canada Arizona Business Council and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, the organizations behind the mission to Montréal.

Results of a Québec study on the Dawson College shooting presented in New York On June 30, a group of Québec researchers presented the preliminary results of a groundbreaking study on the psychological impact of the Dawson College shooting, in conjunction with the 31st Congress of the International Academy of Law and Mental Health held from June 28 to July 4 at New York University.

Climate change: Québec supports the work of the United Nations Development Programme Premier Jean Charest recently announced that Québec and Manitoba will be the first two North American subnational governments to join the Territorial Approach to Climate Change, a new initiative promoted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The announcement was made in Brussels on June 26 during Mr. Charest’s official visit to Europe.

Malajube on tour in New York City and surrounding areas After a well deserved break and after spending almost a year to produce Labyrinthes, the brand new album released in Canada on February 10, 2009, Malajube is ready to get back on stage.