Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

In a decisive step toward climate action, the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) played
host to the high-profile launch of the Outaouais Climate Partnership (Partenariat Climat
Outaouais, or PCO). The initiative brings together regional leaders from the fields of business,
philanthropy, academia, and local government, united by a mission to confront climate change
and transition Outaouais into a model of environmental resilience.

The event, held in the large hall of UQO’s Alexandre-Taché pavilion, saw leaders and
community figures gather to celebrate the region’s next chapter in climate leadership. “After
Montreal and Quebec, it’s Outaouais’ turn to launch a vital initiative for the climate,” said
Murielle Laberge, UQO’s rector and co-chair of the PCO, speaking to an energized audience
against a backdrop of greenery. “UQO is honoured to play a key role in this regional effort,” she
added.

Laberge was joined by Josée Lusignan, President of the company Good4.Global and the pan-
Canadian organization Cercle d’Envol, and co-chair of the PCO. Together, they lead a team
committed to coordinating Outaouais’ environmental initiatives across sectors, taking inspiration
from successful climate partnerships in Montreal and Quebec City. Lusignan and Laberge spoke
passionately about how the PCO will transform regional environmental goals into measurable
actions that benefit the community. “Environmental considerations are now central to decision-
making,” she stated. “The PCO gives us a unique opportunity to unite the region and act
collectively to preserve our ecosystem.”

Local government support has been strong. Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, who
has prioritized climate action since her election last June, was quick to align Gatineau’s
resources with the PCO’s objectives. “Climate change knows no borders; this partnership is our
green innovation laboratory, and now is the time to act,” she declared. Mayor Marquis-
Bissonnette pledged financial and logistical support, highlighting the expansion of Gatineau’s
ecological transition office and her focus on accelerating the city’s Climate Plan. Her vision for
the city includes a resilient, sustainable future, a mission she believes can only be accomplished
through regional unity.

In addition to Gatineau, the partnership includes influential supporters such as Hydro-Québec,
the Trottier Family Foundation, the Choquette-Legault Foundation, and the Outaouais Regional
Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CREDDO). Together, these
organizations form a coalition poised to address the region’s largest greenhouse gas
contributors, with projects focused on sustainable buildings, eco-friendly mobility solutions, and
development plans designed to minimize environmental impact. The PCO’s efforts will also
focus on enhancing climate adaptation, aiming to fortify Outaouais’ resilience against the effects
of climate change.​

The Kitigan Zibi Anishinàbe community has joined the partnership in an advisory role, lending
expertise on sustainable practices that respect traditional lands and benefit all living things. This
collaboration brings valuable perspective to the PCO’s work, ensuring that the partnership
aligns with Indigenous values and contributes to regional well-being.

Anis Ghodbane, named director of the PCO, is tasked with the day-to-day coordination of the
initiative. Working alongside a mobilization committee of 15 dedicated members, Ghodbane will
lead efforts to turn the PCO’s vision into tangible action, coordinating across sectors to reduce
emissions and boost climate resilience. “There’s been a long-standing dream to have all of
Outaouais’ major players aligned on climate action,” remarked Rock Poulin, Vice President of
Good4.Global’s entrepreneurial community. “As a business community, we have a crucial role to
play to ensure a healthy, sustainable future for the next generation.”

In the words of Laberge and Lusignan, this initiative is a “springboard for collective climate
action” that brings together a powerful coalition, dedicated to preserving the Outaouais
environment and securing a resilient future for its communities.

Photo: Outaouais leaders have launched the Outaouais Climate Partnership, a regional coalition
dedicated to accelerating climate action and resilience through collaborative efforts across
business, government, academia, and Indigenous communities. (TF) Photo: UQO