Press release |
Québec supports Université Laval for the creation of a research chair on permafrost in Nunavik |
Québec, February 12, 2021. – To ensure the resilience of infrastructures in northern Québec and the safety of people dealing with the impacts of climate change, the Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, Benoit Charette, announced on Friday that up to $900,000 would be allocated over three years to Université Laval’s Faculty of Forestry, Geography and Geomatics. The financial support will make it possible to create and operate a research chair on permafrost and its geomorphology in Nunavik. Nunavik communities are hard hit by permafrost thawing, which causes extensive damage to buildings and infrastructures, makes travel on the territory more dangerous, limiting hunting, fishing and berry picking. Université Laval has developed expertise on permafrost in Nunavik that is unique in Canada as well as internationally. Creating this chair therefore ensures the development of knowledge to support and expedite implementing climate change adaptation solutions in collaboration with regional communities and organizations. In addition to contributing to research, local knowledge will facilitate the appropriation and application of research results by communities. Under the direction of Professor Pascale Roy-Léveillée, the chair will work in collaboration with the Canadian and international scientific community to support and accelerate the implementation of climate change adaptation in permafrost regions. It will likewise help maintain and solidify the position of Québec and Université Laval as global leaders in northern research. Quotes: “Nunavik communities must be able to benefit from resilient infrastructure, continue to engage in traditional harvesting activities, and preserve their quality of life. Indeed, our 2030 Plan for a Green Economy pays particular attention to northern territories, where the impacts of climate change are especially significant. I am therefore happy to be able to count on the permafrost expertise of researchers at Université Laval. That expertise, as well as the relationship of trust that has developed over the years between academic scientists and the communities of Nunavik must be maintained.” Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region “I am pleased that Université Laval’s northern expertise has once again been recognized by the Québec government. This research chair will enable our institution to strengthen the ties that have already been established with northern communities and First Peoples. Research carried out in partnership with these communities and in keeping with their ancestral knowledge will allow northern populations to be more resilient and develop their territory more sustainably.” Sophie D’Amours, Rector, Université Laval Quick facts:
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SOURCES :
Geneviève Richard Press Officer Office of the Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region 418 952-6352 |
Jean-François Huppé Media Relations Advisor Université Laval 418 656-7785 jean-francois.huppe@dc.lavaval.ca |
INFORMATION :
Media Relations Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques 418 521-3991 |