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Quebec Minister of International Relations to Speak

PLATTSBURGH, NY (Oct. 13, 2009)-- The Institute on Quebec Studies at SUNY Plattsburgh will host Pierre Arcand, the minister of international relations and minister responsible for la Francophonie, Government of Quebec, on Monday, Oct. 19, as he delivers the Distinguished Quebec Address at 3 p.m. in Krinovitz Recital Hall, Hawkins Hall.

The Distinguished Quebec Address is a keynote event designed to feature an individual who has made a discernibly positive contribution to public life in Quebec and to explore timely contemporary issues of significance to Quebec society, including the provinces relationship with the United States.

In his speech, "Quebec and the Climate Change Challenge: A Lead Actor in North America," Arcand will address students, faculty and the general public on the crucial role played by states, provinces and regions in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He will also talk about key international partnerships, notably those involving Quebec and several U.S. states, aimed at spurring cooperation on the issue of climate change.

In addition, Arcand will speak on Quebecs recent clean energy projects and how, as the worlds fourth largest producer of hydroelectricity, the province can help New York state meet its renewable energy goals. A questions and answer session will take place after the address, with Arcand welcoming questions on key areas of mutual interest to New York state and Quebec such as trade, homeland security and transportation.

Arcand has been minister of international relations and minister responsible for la Francophonie, Government of Quebec, since Dec. 18, 2008. He was first elected to the National Assembly, as member for Mont-Royal, in March 2007. He has served as parliamentary assistant to the minister of finance and chair of the conseil du tresor, and parliamentary assistant to the minister of economic development, innovation and export trade and minister of tourism. He has also sat on various parliamentary committees, including the committees on public finance and education.

Before being elected to the National Assembly, Arcand had a long career in communications. Over a period of close to 30 years, he held a number of senior management positions in the radio sector, in addition to co-owning radio networks. He is a graduate of the Ecole des hautes etudes commerciales (HEC Montreal).

For more information, please contact Amy Sotherden at 518-564-2385 or [email protected].

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