Actuality¹³⁸

Press review - Public Affairs Committee

DURABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Par

Jules Morin

JCCM

Codirecteur bénévole du comité affaires publiques

Entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship and impact entrepreneurship

Quebec companies face climate challenges

Source : Le Devoir

Quebec is preparing for major climate impacts, and businesses will have to adapt to growing challenges such as urban heat, access to water and extreme weather events. These challenges call for concrete solutions, including the integration of resilience strategies, the greening of urban spaces to mitigate heat-related risks, and the adoption of innovative systems for the sustainable management of water resources. At the Ouranos 2025 Symposium, experts and decision-makers, including Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante and federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, will explore ways for businesses to adapt effectively to these new realities, while strengthening their economic resilience.

Socio-ecological transition

HEC Montréal: training leaders for a sustainable transition

Source : Le Devoir

HEC Montréal University has taken a step forward in its commitment to the socio-ecological transition, integrating sustainable development into its programs through its 2022-2025 action plan, aimed at training responsible, environmentally aware managers. The school uses TASK™ certification, based on UN goals, to assess students' knowledge and adjust its curricula. It also offers training to integrate these issues into traditional courses and measures their progress via an internal tool, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable transition.

Skills development

Decline in international student numbers weakens Canadian universities

Source : La Presse

The 35% cut in visas for foreign students has resulted in major financial losses for Canadian universities, which rely heavily on tuition fees. This measure, designed to limit temporary immigration, has led to layoffs, hiring freezes and cuts in services. The sector is facing a budget crisis exacerbated by tuition freezes for local students and insufficient subsidies. Experts are calling for increased public funding to reduce reliance on foreign students and stabilize the post-secondary education system.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

A new integration model to strengthen social cohesion in Quebec?

Source : Le Devoir

The Legault government is preparing to introduce framework legislation for a new “integration model” for immigrants, based on the protection of Quebec identity, secularism and gender equality. The bill calls for a “social contract” committing new arrivals to respecting Quebec's fundamental values. Inspired by Bills 101 and 96, this model will be applied to all ministries and municipalities to promote social cohesion. At a time when debates on secularism are looming, this initiative marks an important attempt to affirm Quebec's unique way of living together.