History

Slideshow of Québec’s 70 years in New York City

 As early as 1879, Québec had raised capital on the New York bond market, the first foreign government to do so.

Summer 1940:

Opening of the Québec Government Office in New York (known then as the Agence générale du Québec à New York). Charles Chartier, the Secretary of the Agence générale, acts as its de facto Director.

January 1943:

Charles Chartier is officially named as Québec’s Agent General in New York. He will serve in that capacity (and subsequently, as Delegate General) until 1969.

1960s:

Québec’s « Quiet Revolution », which is marked by the nationalization of hydro power companies and the growth of Hydro-Québec. U.S. financial institutions play a key role in financing the nationalization and supporting Hydro-Québec’s expansion projects.

January 1973:

Premier Robert Bourassa speaks before the Economic Club of New York.

January 1977:

Premier René Lévesque speaks before the Economic Club of New York. The next year, he addresses the Council on Foreign Relations.

1986 – 1988:

Three visits by Premier Robert Bourassa to further Québec’s business and financial interests in New York

1994:

Premier Daniel Johnson visits New York to meet U.S. businesses with operations in Québec. Later the same year, his successor, Jacques Parizeau, also visits New York and meets with Governor George Pataki.

November 2000:

Premier Lucien Bouchard visits New York on the occasion of the Québec Government Office’s 60^th anniversary to promote « Québec – New York 2001 », a major showcase for Québec’s culture and know-how scheduled for the following year. Set to kick off on September 13, 2001, Québec – New York 2001 was cancelled out of solidarity with the residents of New York after 9/11.

May 2003:

Premier Jean Charest makes the first of seven official visits to New York.

2010:

70^th anniversary of the Québec Government Office in New York.