Mission and mandate
Mission
The mission of the Société du Plan Nord is to contribute to the integrated and coherent development of Québec's northern territory, within a perspective of sustainable development. It does so in accordance with the key directions defined by the government, and in consultation with representatives of the regions and First Nations concerned, as well as the private sector.
Mandate
The Société du Plan Nord coordinates the action of the Government of Québec north of the 49th parallel. It is notably responsible for the deployment of the 2023‑2028 Northern Action Plan, the government's tangible response to the needs defined and prioritized by the representatives of the area covered by the Plan Nord. Unlike the 2023‑2028 Strategic Plan, which is a governance tool specific to the Société du Plan Nord aimed at orienting the organization according to its priorities, the 2023‑2028 Northern Action Plan is the result of a broad governmental consultation. Its development and implementation are coordinated by the Société du Plan Nord.
- To coordinate and contribute, financially or in any other way, to the implementation of the orientations mentioned in its mission;
- To coordinate the creation of infrastructures and, if necessary, to implement or operate them, alone or in partnership;
- To accompany and support local and Indigenous communities in their community, social and economic development projects;
- To carry out or contribute to research and development activities as well as activities aimed at acquiring knowledge of the territory;
- To contribute to the implementation of mechanisms that will allow 50% of the area covered by the Plan Nord to be devoted to non‑industrial uses, environmental protection and the preservation of biodiversity by 2035;
- To contribute to maximizing the economic spin‑offs generated by the development of natural resources in the area covered by the Plan Nord, in accordance with Québec's intergovernmental and international trade commitments;
- To make local and regional businesses, as well as all Québec businesses, aware of the needs for goods and services of ordering parties operating in the area covered by the Plan Nord;
- To advise the government on any question that the latter submits to it.
Sustainable development
Sustainable development is a fundamental principle of the Société du Plan Nord. It is enshrined in its mission and vision, confirming the organization's commitment to contribute to the government's approach in this area and to act as a leader in northern sustainable development.
The Société du Plan Nord's action in sustainable development is integrated into its commitments through various existing plans, including its Strategic Plan (available in French only) and the actions under its responsibility in the Northern Action Plan.
Also subject to the Sustainable Development Act, the Société du Plan Nord's actions contribute directly to the objectives of the Government Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS). The Plan d'action de développement durable 2023-2028 (PDF 1.88 Mb) (in French only) presents the Société's actions that contribute to government objectives for the next five years.
The Société du Plan Nord continues to publish the results of these commitments in a dedicated sustainability section of its Annual Activities Reports.
Values
Flexibility
Remain flexible and responsive as a public organization to meet the specific needs of the North and contribute to its sustainable development and communities.
Cooperation
Consult and promote teamwork and partnerships to provide effective support for projects that generate adhesion.
Integrity
Act with loyalty and respect in order to honour commitments to clients, the government authorities, partners and colleagues.
Leadership
Become a point of reference in the field of northern development and help to implement projects of real benefit to the communities concerned.
Last update: January 11, 2024