Welcome John Prato!

It was not meant to be a formal or official meeting when I met John F. Prato, Canada’s new Consul General in New York at a conference called “Our Energy Future: Decarbonization Electricity in Canada and the U.S.” The setting was New York University Center for Global Affairs. It was his first public event in the job and so the moment was well chosen for a first contact. A couple of days later, he met Jean Stéphane Bernard, the new head of Québec’s Boston office. Clearly, John specializes in making a good first impression. And we know you never get a second chance.

The conversation was warm and friendly as we shared some anecdotes from our respective pasts. We have things in common and very ambitious mandates that often complement each other.

Both the Québec Government Office and Consulate General of Canada in New York have had a longstanding relationship to advance and improve trade relations affecting Canada, Québec and the U.S. New York State is Québec’s premier trading partner for exports. New York in turn exports more to Québec than to India, Italy and Brazil all together. We know that the biggest commercial relationship in the world is between Canada and the U.S. This fact must be nourished and we must be vigilant in dealing with occasional protectionist reflexes south of the border. We also cooperate on security matters to protect against terrorism but in ways to avoid impeding trade between our two countries. In addition, we often engage in joint cultural events.

The conference on the carbon footprint of different sources of electricity was an opportune moment in the emerging energy debate about nuclear and other sources. It provided me the opportunity to make the case for Québec hydropower to an American audience. The main argument was that Québec can be a partner in solutions about energy in New York State and in reducing the carbon imprint on electricity.

John comes to New York replacing Dan Sullivan with whom we shared a very collaborative relationship. John is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) holder. He has had an extensive career at a very senior level in banking and in the investment community. He has a deep knowledge of the U.S., its government and its commercial processes. His community spirit has led him to be very active in the volunteer world as well. Since both our respective mandates involve economic and commercial interests, I am confident that future collaboration and the sharing of expertise will continue.

Now back to the conversation. In addition to having similar initials, we share an Italian ancestry. In fluent French, John indicated a familiarity about Québec that was knowledgeable and generous in spirit. This week we co-host an event launching an Oscar-nominated Canadian film from Québec director Denis Villeneuve called "Incendies." I look forward to it.

La nomination de John Prato arrive à point avec l’objectif des États Unis d’augmenter les activités commerciales entre les deux pays. De plus, la conversation concernant l’énergie et les effets sur l’environnement se poursuit. Les représentations du Québec dans le Nord-est ont des intérêts et des objectifs communs sur une gamme de sujets avec le Consulat du Canada.

Bienvenue Monsieur le Consul Général!

The Need for Energy Dialogue

The tragic events in Japan have once again rekindled the debate on nuclear energy. There are over 400 nuclear reactors, with 104 in the U.S. and opponents of nuclear energy have begun the debate in earnest about its future. It should be noted that nuclear reactors are a principal source of energy in many countries of Europe and Asia as well.

The daily reports about safety and possible nuclear meltdown have gone a long way to stir the concerns of the skeptics and the opponents. To counter these worries, nuclear industry representatives and pro-nuclear politicians have taken to the airwaves and argued that it is far too early to make judgments, and that nuclear energy is safe and its renaissance is necessary for energy independence from fossil fuel energy sources from countries hostile to the U.S.

We in Canada have had the good fortune of being an energy rich nation with a mix that allows us to consider most sources of energy to meet our needs. Unfortunately, not one energy source can meet all our needs. Concerns about climate change and greenhouse gas emissions add to policy considerations. Oil and gas prices also become considerations in the conversation regarding policy and energy development.

Three Canadian provinces – British Columbia, Manitoba, Québec – are hydro-rich with a capacity to provide a significant energy source to both their domestic populations and those of neighboring jurisdictions. Hydro Quebec is the world’s largest  producer of hydro-electricity and 97% of Quebec‘s electricity is generated from hydro power.

New hydro developments in Québec’s north will provide the province with an even greater capacity to supply its neighbors with clean, renewable, safe, reliable, and competitively priced energy. Currently, Québec exports hydro power to Ontario, New York and New England states. As I increasingly assert in public forums, Québec is already a partner in energy solutions.

My goal is not to argue one source of energy over another. We in Québec had one such debate in the 1970’s. Then-Premier Robert Bourassa won election in 1970 with the promise to develop Québec’s hydro potential at James Bay. His electoral victory then represented a conscious choice by the people of Quebec to develop extensively hydro power over nuclear energy. Today with the potential of shale gas reserves and possible oil reserves in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, the energy potential of Québec may be greatly diversified for future generations.

Whatever the source of energy, the key point to remember is that there are advantages and disadvantages to each source. In Québec, we believe in hydro generated power and have the lowest carbon footprint on the continent , but we realize the complexity associated with needs and supply of all forms of energy. It is vital that energy sources be developed in ways that fully respect the environment, the communities where energy sources come from, and keep in mind the importance of energy efficiency and conservation.

In recent months, authorities in both Québec and New York State, already two energy partners, have indicated a willingness to explore a permanent and regular conversation on energy – to explore sources , environmental benefits, research and development, related technologies and overall best practices.

Energy is the lifeblood of a modern economy. The idea of a permanent dialogue will go a long way to find the best means to meet our respective needs , prepare for a better future and serve as a model for others.

Canada & U.S. Should Be Partners for Solutions

Published at Bilateralist on March 18, 2011

The upcoming conference at the McGill Institute of Canadian Studies (March 24, 25) will do a great service to what has been the most successful relationship ever between two neighbours and the largest commercial relationship in the world.

It was President Kennedy who once defined the relationship: “Geography has made us neighbours, history has made us friends, economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies”. The American Presidents and Canadian Prime Ministers who have understood this have been able to reap benefits for their respective citizens on both sides of the border and built a relationship based on trust and respect.

Granted, it is not meant to be a facile relationship if one recalls Pierre Trudeau’s characterization of “sleeping with an elephant”. Very often, our American neighbours fail to spot us on their radar screens, or seem to take us for granted. In our country, we sometimes have a visceral anti-Americanism, or we on occasion take a pious, moralistic tone to the excesses south of the border. The successes, however, surpass by far the inconveniences.

The conference will feature former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, and if anyone has set the tone for a constructive and productive partnership, it has been those two. Both men are known for their civility and their inclusiveness. 

It helps, of course, that Mr. Mulroney considers “that meeting the President of the United States the most important responsibility a prime minister has on his schedule”. It also shows the importance as Mr. Mulroney was able to sign a free Trade Agreement with President Reagan, negotiate another to include Mexico, and have an agreement to combat acid rain. The latter brought the environment to the forefront of the bilateral relationship.

A close relationship between the two leaders can also enhance the influence a mid size power such as Canada can have in the world by working with the world’s foremost superpower. In the Mulroney – Reagan – Bush years, Canada’s voice on the unification of Germany and battling apartheid in South Africa was heard and respected. We are partners in NATO, NORAD and were founders of the United Nations and all this was done in partnership.

My purpose here is not to praise a specific relationship over any other between a Canadian Prime Minister and an American President. It is to emphasize that we share a border and a democratic political culture, we have an interrelated economy and we subscribe to many common values. When we work together, we are stronger. This should be the basis for dealing with issues that affect us and sometimes divide us.

In recent months, in my role as Québec’s Delegate General, I have been asked to describe where I believe the Québec-US relationship should be headed. The often stated US goals of energy security and independence, fighting climate change, enhancing trade, and strengthening the bonds for better security at the border remain at the top of the agenda for us as well. In each case, I argue that Québec can be part of the solution. Whether it is providing renewable and clean energy at a competitive price, or working closely with the authorities to strengthen border security but not at the expense of increasing trade barriers, or whether it is being a participant in developing high speed rail in a mega region including New York state, New England, Ontario and Québec, we should be working together and become partners in solutions.

To those concerned about world events moving at an unforeseen pace, the Canada-US relationship offers the kind of wisdom, stability, and experience to deal with the greatest tragedies. To those wishing to be a force for innovation and improving the lot of those in need, the Canada-US relationship is a reference and a leadership model. And finally, to those who wish to embrace the future with optimism and confidence, the Canada-US relationship is evidence of how two neighbours have faced the future together and made it work. Yes, indeed, partners for solutions

Minister Hamad Goes to Albany

 

On March 15, Transport Minister Sam Hamad made an official visit to Albany to meet key officials in the Cuomo Administration and members from both parties of the State Legislature. The purpose was to set the tone with the new Administration to move the New York State – Québec relationship forward. By all accounts, the visit was successful and will serve as the basis for future interrelationships and strengthen partnerships.

In recent months, I have referred to the historic and longstanding relationship - Québec has had its office for 71 years in Rockefeller Plaza - between New York and Québec as one of « partners for solutions. » New York State is Québec’s number one trading partner and New York exports to Québec in numbers greater than what is exported to Italy, India and Brazil combined. Québec and New York are also energy partners with Québec’s growing capacity to help meet New York State’s goals for renewable energy standards and help achieve climate change objectives. 

We also share a border and waterways, and subjects such as water management of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, ballast water regulations and high speed rail, will require continued dialogue and collaboration.

The March 15 mission was meant to to build a closer relationship in the quest for better cooperation and finding solutions to problems shared by both jurisdictions. The meeting with Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy and his staff was most fruitful and effective for setting the tone and moving ahead on specifics.

On a more specific subject, Mr. Hamad’s meeting with newly confirmed NYDOT Commissioner, Joan MacDonald, gave us the opportunity to see the commonality of purpose in developing high speed rail in the Northeast megaregion. 

Finally, meeting with members from the Assembly and Senate showed that Québec’s expertise in building infrastructures along the PPP model and the existence of Québec regional councils  could be helpful to New York policy planners.

Overall, we came away with a distinct impression that the New York State – Québec partnership was on a solid footing and the future summit between Governor Cuomo and Premier Charest - it would be the fifth between a Québec Premier and a New York Governor - appears most promising.

Culture is a Winning Proposition

 In the universe of cable news and major sports events such as the Olympics, one often has the tendency to equate a nation’s identity with its political leaders and sports celebrities. We know however that in the U.S., celebrities can also play a role in how a country is understood in the rest of the world. But with mass communications and globalism, the phenomenon of culture is playing an increasing part in how a people express themselves beyond their borders and how they are perceived. In some, cases, artists have become greater ambassadors than the diplomats. 

A case in point is the sustained effervescence of the cultural community emanating from my home province Québec, the only French-speaking majority jurisdiction in North America. This year, our cultural affairs ministry is celebrating its 50th anniversary, which is worth noting because our artists, over the years, have become more international in scope and in recognition. It begs the questions: Should governments be involved in supporting culture? And to what extent? Has the Québec model been a success?

Clearly, artistic communities primarily depend on their creativity and many talents. In Québec, the duly elected government in 1960 began with a vision that its artists could instill pride and inspire accomplishment if there was support from the people and ultimately, the state.

With the advent of a reform–minded government that eventually led to what historians refer to as Quiet Revolution (because of its transformational policies in economics, education and social matters), the cultural affairs ministry was created and later, various agencies were established to support the overall aspects of cultural life. This included financial aid to artists and projects, equity investment, fine arts schools and formal recognition of the status of the artist, thereby providing the artist with some basic fiscal protections. Today, 50 years later, our artists are performing in various art forms and enhancing the province’s reputation at home and abroad. And we are the better for it.

 I recall the ‘60s when we were treated to a “pop revolution” with the British invasion, headlined by the Beatles. This spring, New York and other venues in the Northeastern U.S. will be home to an impressive line-up of homegrown talents - a Québec invasion of sorts! - ranging from director Robert Lepage, the Montréal Symphony Orchestra, the young conductor Yannick Nézet- Séguin,  pianists Louis Lortie and Marc-André Hamelin, ensemble Les Violons du Roy, violonist Angèle Dubeau to entertainment juggernaut Cirque du Soleil at Radio City Music Hall in June!

While the original thrust was directed at the local community to build pride and enhance its national personality and purpose, today Québec can boast international performances in various fields and around the globe.

To be accurate, the product of the last 50 years was primarily supported by the province’s cultural affairs ministry, its agencies and also different cultural institutions established by Canada’s federal government with an increasing level of financial commitment from the private sector. Yes, government investment in culture was important and essential. The growing consensus in Québec is that investing in culture is also smart economically, not just artistically. All told, Quebec artists have become the best ambassadors, proving beyond doubt that investing in culture can be a winning proposition.





New Energy at Hydro Québec

Over the years, I had the good fortune of working closely with Hydro Québec and its leaders and I have seen the business and strategic side of the state-owned corporation. In the 90’s, as chief of staff to Premier Bourassa, I was able to see how vital HQ is to the province’s economic development and energy security and how it is a creator of wealth in nearly every region of Québec.

Successive Québec governments have tapped into the vast potential that hydropower represents for the future. This being said, in my new role as Québec‘s Delegate General in New York, I have since observed the transformation of HQ’s leadership and most importantly, its new approach to market realities. I call it the “new energy.”

Not new energy in the sense of a new source, although HQ has expanded its renewable portfolio and is now a major developer of wind energy. I refer to new energy in how HQ has become a vehicle for sustainable development and what renowned Harvard business professor Michael Porter calls “shared value” or the capacity to bring about economic progress with societal value.

In the early 90’s, HQ was often criticized for its environmental footprint and its somewhat mixed relations with the Aboriginal communities of Northern Québec. Today, the utility is subjected to the most rigorous environmental standards from both the federal and provincial government review mechanisms. In addition, continuous consultations and negotiations take place with the Aboriginal communities affected by their projects.

La Paix des Braves (“Peace of the Braves”), a negotiated agreement signed by the Québec government with the Cree Nation in 2002, provides shared benefits with the local communities and is proof positive of the importance attached to the creation of shared value.

Recently, Hydro Québec President and CEO Thierry Vandal and VP for the U.S. market Christian Brosseau visited key energy actors in New York State. The message was clear: we are part of the solution for clean, renewable, reliable and competitively priced energy for developing industry and jobs, and we are able to contribute to your environmental goals in the process.

But they had an additional message: the goal of contributing to market efficiency that includes energy efficiency technology, and the development of new technologies such as those related to the electric car.

So Hydro Québec has come a long way since when first created in the 1940’s under the stewardship of Premier Adélard Godbout. In the 1960’s, the utility expanded its role and mission under the leadership of Jean Lesage and his minister of natural resources René Levesque, and in the 1970’s, with the development of the James Bay under Premier Robert Bourassa. Today it is showing a new kind of energy that is most promising for the coming decades.

Visiting Laval University

Just recently, the president of Université Laval, Denis Brière conducted a mission aimed at reinforcing its burgeoning alumni association and establishing links with reputed universities in the New York area. It was a promising initiative for what should be the beginning of closer collaboration with higher educational institutions in the Northeast.

Located in Québec City, Laval is a research-based university with reputed law and medical faculties. It has become a leader in online education and has further established its leadership on Arctic research. The link between business and education has been reinforced in recent years and is seen as a model for other sister universities. Moreover, Laval University is a leader when it comes to programs dealing with sustainable development. So you can understand how proud I was to be invited to speak at Laval’s Institut québécois des hautes études internationales, the university research center on international relations.

I entitled my conference “Partners in Finding Solutions.” The audience was a mixture of academics and students. After presenting an overview of Québec's unique diplomacy network from an historical and operational viewpoint, I outlined our U.S. priorities: trade, security, energy, environment, culture and how to share expertise and engage in common actions. I completed my presentation by arguing that Québec can be a solution provider in energy independence, fighting climate change and building closer economic ties to encourage innovation and create jobs.

Being a Montrealer by birth and upbringing, it becomes natural for me to promote my city and its impressive array of universities. But in recent months with the capital city of my home province, I have seen the increasing dynamism of the region. Québec is no longer just a city of public servants. It boasts a diversified economy based on R&D and high technology. And it has in its midst a world class university, Laval. That is why it was great to have both the Québec mayor, Regis Labaume and Laval's Denis Brière visit us recently, and why it was an honour for me to visit them.