News > 2014 > HEC Montréal and The Conference Board of Canada announce the creation of the Institut du Québec

HEC Montréal and The Conference Board of Canada announce the creation of the Institut du Québec

February 20, 2014

HEC Montréal and The Conference Board of Canada have announced a new partnership to establish the Institut du Québec (IdQ). Chaired by Raymond Bachand, Strategic Advisor at Norton Rose Fulbright, this new research institute will enable the two organizations to combine their expertise to help address and propose solutions to the competitiveness issues facing Quebec.

The IdQ will be based at HEC Montréal. Mia Homsy (MSc 2008) will be the business director of the IdQ and Robert Gagné, Director of the Research Office and of the Center for Productivity and Prosperity, will lead the research program. The IdQ will not have its own research team but will call upon the researchers of HEC Montréal and The Conference Board of Canada.

The IdQ will draw upon the credibility and visibility that The Conference Board of Canada and HEC Montréal bring to public debate because of their reputations for comprehensive, independent, and non-partisan analysis. The IdQ will be in a position to carve out its place in the public policy debate in Quebec, through its expert insights and evidence-based and rigorous studies as well as its ability to bring various stakeholders together. Its intent is to provide public and private sector authorities with the tools needed to make more informed decisions.

Michel Patry, Director of HEC Montréal, is excited: "This partnership will combine the strengths of our top calibre researchers and will uphold the values of rigour and independence that we both hold in such high regard. I am confident that the Institut du Québec will contribute to raising the level of public debate and help Quebec to overcome the major challenges in the years ahead."

The IdQ will begin by consulting with stakeholders to identify the top priorities. It is anticipated that the province's demographic profile, fiscal sustainability and productivity performance will be priority issues.

While the research plan is still under development, it will include a range of topics such as revitalizing the labour force and skills development, promoting capital investment and innovation, improving health practices, and supporting infrastructure. Other focus areas include personal and corporate taxation, natural resources and energy, commerce and exports and northern development.

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Michel Patry; Mia Homsy; Robert Gagné; Hélène Desmarais, Chair, Board of Directors, HEC Montréal; Dan Muzyka, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Conference Board of Canada; Raymond Bachand; Jean-René Halde, Chair, Board of Directors, The Conference Board of Canada.

Photo: Sylvie Trépanier