SPEC Headlines, April 18, 2004

Environmental studies held for wind power parks
Jeanie LeLacheur

At the request of Environment Minister Thomas Mulcair the BAPE  "bureau
d'audiences public" released its findings  concerning the Mount Copper and
Mount Miller Wind Power project.  The public consultations began in December
2003, and the examination of the project was led by André Harvey. The
analysis reveals the wind parks would have no significant impacts and are
acceptable. However, certain measures have been outlined to ensure a
sustainable development policy.
     Ecologically speaking the commission suggests more in-depth inventories
of avian populations, according to protocols established by and with the
help of competent government organizations.  More information is essential
before choosing wind park sites, especially due to the fact that Bicknell's
Thrush inhabits the area and its endangered status means protection of their
habitat is paramount.


Maria : Jacques Leblanc nominated to Hydro Québec board
Gilles Gagné

    MARIA - Maria chartered accountant Jacques Leblanc, the co-founder of
Leblanc Bourque, has been nominated to the board of directors of
Hydro-Québec, following the April 7th Cabinet meeting in Québec City.
    Jacques Leblanc, has been an accountant for 36 years. The 57 year-old
father of four  founded his own business in Maria 20 years ago. Leblanc
Bourque employs 25 people, including his son Daniel and his brother Martin,
who are associates in the company.
    Mr. Leblanc received the news with enthusiasm, since the energy sector
is at the heart of his region's preoccupations at the present time.
    "There are some important energy files currently being studied for the
Gaspé, when we think of wind power and gas drilling in the Gulf of Saint
Lawrence. I will be happy to take part in the decisions regarding these
sectors. I am not a specialist in energy, but they did  not picked me for
those reasons", says Mr. Leblanc


60 day grace period  for Gaspesia
Gilles Gagné

    The Superior Court has granted a 60 day grace period to financial
controller Pierre Laporte, of Ernst and Young, in order to find a buyer for
the Gaspesia paper mill. The verdict of Justice Paul Chaput was rendered on
April 7th, according to a previous decision made by creditors of the plant.
    The creditors had agreed one day earlier not to bankrupt the mill, even
though no vote was ever  taken. Mr. Laporte thinks that a two month period
should be sufficient to find a company interested enough to  writing a letter
expressing its intention to acquire the Chandler facility and resume the
modernization project stopped on January 30th because of an overspending of
$265 million.
    Since he was first called to try to find a buyer for the plant, Mr.
Laporte has been tangled up in legal procedures. Besides preparing a
complete document presenting the Chandler facility, he had to deal with 34
disgruntled construction contractors and other suppliers, almost 300 of
them, who are scared of losing the total amount owed to them by Gaspesia
Papers Limited Partnership.