Creation of the 24th Québec National Park - Lake Témiscouata National Park

On behalf of the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs Mrs. Line Beauchamp, the Member of the National Assembly for Kamouraska-Témiscouata, Minister of Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation, Minister responsible for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs and the reform of democratic institutions, deputy leader of the government and Minister responsible for the region of the Lower Saint Lawrence, Mr. Claude Béchard announced officially the creation of the Lake Témiscouata National Park on December 3, 2009.

"This long awaited project is realised today. The Lake Témiscouata National Park is an exceptional natural location which is part of the life of the local people and it will be protected permanently. It is a legacy to our children and grand children which we are proud to share with the tourists who will visit it. I am particularly pleased to be making this announcement as the establishment of the park will have a significant economic impact, notably through job creation , and it will promote economic diversification of this region" rejoiced the Minister Béchard.

The creation of this new National Park will allow territory representative of the Notre-Dame Mountains to be protected and opened up for discovery. It will require an investment of over $30 million, notably for the construction of infrastructure, accommodation and services, which should begin in the spring of 2010.

"This park, the second largest in Québec south of the Saint Lawrence River after that of the Gaspé peninsula, has all that is necessary for it to become a number one ecotourist destination. Nature lovers will find a diversity of flora and fauna, including several forests more than one hundred years old, 365 species of plants and 150 bird species. The park will also appeal, I am sure, to history and culture enthusiasts, because of the large number of archaeological sites located there which bear witness to its exceptionally rich heritage." said the Minister Mrs. Line Beauchamp.

Recall that the government's intention to take the final steps necessary for the creation of the park was announced in April 2009 by the Prime Minister Jean Charest. Since then the work of surveying and soil testing necessary for the construction of the infrastructure has been completed. A director has been named and a work group formed to liaise with the local community.

The latest decrees formalising the establishment of the Lake Témiscouata National Park were published November 18, 2009. This marks the end of the various legal and administrative steps taken since the establishment of a work group in 2006. Notably , the territory had to be protected by ministerial order from all mining and oil and gas exploitation, public hearings were held, and the intention of the government to amend the Park's regulations was published in the official Québec Gazette.

Pascale Dumont-Bédard, Office of the Member of the National Assembly for Kamouraska-Témiscouata and Minister responsible for the Lower Saint Lawrence