Board of Directors praises CEO’s performance
Quebec Port Authority (QPA) recently unveiled $53 million in funding commitments for 2012, to continue developing and upgrading its facilities. QPA experienced a banner year in 2011 with an 18-per-cent increase in cargo handled and is getting ready for another record year. Year-to-date tonnage is up 22 per cent compared to the same period last year. International cruise ship arrivals should also see an exceptional season in 2012 as nearly 110,500 cruise passengers are expected — a customer traffic record. These announcements were made at QPA’s Annual Meeting, where a new community relations committee was also unveiled.
“2011 allowed us to clearly identify the major challenges we’re facing and make stakeholders aware of the need to take action to ensure the Port’s sustainability,” explained Mario Girard, QPA President and CEO. “The $53 million in joint funding from the Port and its operator partners is a good start, but there’s still a lot left to do.” The funding will make it possible in particular to optimize the efficiency of the liquid and dry bulk terminals, which recorded significant tonnage increases in 2011.
The Board of Directors spoke highly of Mario Girard’s first year at the helm of QPA. “Everything is now set for a new era of growth. Mario Girard is the type of high-calibre manager we were looking for, and we are convinced that he will deliver on the projects needed for the Port’s development,” said Serge Lebel, interim Chair of QPA’s Board of Directors.
Following a series of meetings held during the past year, QPA also unveiled a new community relations committee consisting of about ten members representing different community interests. The committee’s role will be to help shape QPA’s activities by taking into account the points of view expressed by committee members. “The Port will continue to make the decisions necessary for its development, but the community relations committee will contribute a point of view that can help reduce irritants and better integrate projects within the community,” explained Mario Girard.
The community relations committee will be chaired by Gaston Déry, President of Amis de la vallée du St-Laurent. “Because the committee members are from the economic, environmental, and social spheres, I feel that everything is in place for a constructive and sustainable approach. That’s why I’m excited to accept this position,” said Mr. Déry.