Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, D-C-I-Kenmore and Chair of the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, met locally today with Quebec’s Delegate General to New York, Andre Boisclair, to discuss future economic development opportunities between the two regions.
“When thinking about Canada, we in Western New York often think of Ontario’s Niagara peninsula as an extension of our region. However, while we have a long-standing cross-border relationship with Ontario, there are opportunities for relationships with other provinces to the north,” said Schimminger. “Today’s meeting afforded an excellent opportunity for Delegate General Boisclair and me to explore economic development opportunities available through a strengthened relationship with the province of Quebec.”
Quebec, according to Boisclair, has seen an increase in its companies’ investments here in New York, such as recently announced projects like an 8,470-square-foot addition to the Nova Bus plant in Plattsburgh for assembly, testing and inspection of motor coaches by Prevost Car, this is a division of the Volvo Group, as well as a recently awarded contract with Rochester’s Alstom plant to build 34 light rail vehicles and provide 30 years of maintenance to Ottawa’s Light Rapid Transit System.
“Today’s meeting allowed me to highlight the incentives to bring future investments into Western New York,” said Schimminger. “Part of our discussion focused on the Buffalo Billion and how we could attract more international companies to our region as well. It was a mutually beneficial and forward thinking meeting. I look forward to continuing this relationship.”
