Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The Quebec government has unveiled a comprehensive action plan to support the long-term
development of the Outaouais region. The Plan d’action régional 2025–2029, presented on
March 24 by Minister of Culture and Communications Mathieu Lacombe, is part of the
province’s broader strategy to ensure territorial vitality and directly addresses priorities identified
by municipal leaders.

“The territory has its own specificities, its own colours and riches,” said Lacombe. “It is therefore
essential to showcase them and ensure that they have positive impacts for the entire
population.”

At the heart of the plan are seven regional priorities, including affordable housing, cultural
development, improved access to education, sustainable local services, food security, economic
diversification, and climate adaptation. Each is supported by measurable goals and concrete
government commitments.

Housing remains one of the most pressing issues. Rising costs and low vacancy rates have
made it increasingly difficult for residents to find affordable options. The plan calls for building
new units, diversifying rental offerings, and exploring public land transfers to support social
housing.

On the cultural front, the government will increase support for arts and heritage initiatives to
offset the region’s proximity to Ottawa and Montreal, which often draw away talent and
resources. New funding and promotional efforts will target underserved areas outside Gatineau.
Educational inequality is also a key concern. While urban centres enjoy higher rates of post-
secondary education, rural municipalities face elevated dropout rates. The plan aims to expand
local training options, especially in sectors facing labour shortages.

Environmental and climate resilience are central to the strategy. Measures include reducing
emissions through transit electrification, supporting biodiversity, and protecting natural areas. In
tandem, the plan promotes food security through local farming initiatives and support for agro-
environmental practices.

The rollout will be led by the Conférence administrative régionale de l’Outaouais (CAR), a first
for the region. This interministerial body will coordinate efforts across sectors and ensure
regional voices shape implementation.

Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs, called the plan “a real lever” for regional vitality.
“The commitment and mobilization of all partners are essential,” she said. “Promising projects
will emerge in the coming years and will have positive impacts for all local communities.”​
Lacombe echoed that momentum: “Thanks to this action plan, we can continue to act concretely
for today’s and tomorrow’s generations.”

Photo: Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs, described the newly unveiled 2025–2029
Outaouais Action Plan as a coordinated government strategy to address regional priorities such
as housing, education, economic diversification, and climate resilience, with the goal of
strengthening the vitality and sustainability of the territory. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo