Clément Gignac: delighted with his role as minister and deputy

After being elected for the first time in the June 22, 2009 partial elections and garnering more than 72% of the votes, Clément Gignac was appointed the next day as Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Exports by Premier Jean Charest. He replaced Monique Jérôme-Forget in the Marguerite-Bourgeoys riding and says he is delighted to be playing an active role. He is also vice president of the Committee on Economic Priorities and a member of the Prosperity Committee for Sustainable Development. “It’s my new life and the passion motivates me. I’d like to leave my children and grand-children a sound financial legacy and a healthy planet. The trust of the residents of Marguerite-Bourgeoys gives me a sense of fulfillment. I am happy that the Premier has put his trust in me because the economy has always been my passion. As minister, I feel that I can achieve my objective to improve life in Quebec and that we will equal or surpass Ontario in 10 years. The rest of Canadians will no longer view us in the same light. It is also one way to bring about national unity.” Clément Gignac enjoys working with officials and economists in the area. Several projects are under negotiation: infrastructure, revitalisation of the Airlie/Bayne district, renovation of the Jean-Grimaldi. Quebec has contributed to the expansion of the hospital’s emergency unit, the new layout of laboratories of the André-Laurendeau cégep’s roof. Ministerial functions excite Clément Gignac. “I was a specialist in economics accustomed to three numbers after the decimal point. As minister, you become sort of an orchestra chief and facilitator providing guidance to musicians. Experienced government officials execute. There are more social programs here than in any of the other provinces and if they are to be financed, wealth must be created. The province’s GDP is 15% lower than Ontario’s. If the province wants to avoid the deterioration in the standard of living of our children and grand-children, the province must work towards a balanced budget.” Clément Gignac is also the Innovation minister. “More emphasis must be put on innovation to create wealth. I feel blessed to be appointed Economic Development minister and working with tools like Investissements Québec and the Société générale de développement.”