The Quebec federation of snowmobile clubs (FCMQ) greets with tremendous relief the news resulting from the most recent meeting between Minister Lessard, management of La Financière agricole and the directors of the UPA. The agreement reached between the Government of Quebec and the directors of the farmers’ union spells the end of pressure tactics which saw agricultural landowners rescind land use permission across much of Quebec, threatening, by this very fact, the snowmobile season. This news gives the industry a much-needed shot of encouragement.
«It is with tremendous relief and enthusiasm that we welcome the announcement that confirms the opening, as soon as snow conditions allow, of our entire 33,000 km of trails» notes FCMQ President Mario Côté, visibly relieved by the news that guarantees a great season for all Quebec snowmobilers. Despite the fact that the season is already underway in certain regions and a network of trails is nonetheless available, the safety of snowmobilers across the province was becoming an important preoccupation due to the increased possibility of off-trail riding. Responsible for ensuring safety on its trail network, the FCMQ was working at developing alternate routes for snowmobilers to use for the coming season.
Time to act
«This is the second time the snowmobile community has had to pay the price for a conflict involving the UPA. From the very beginning of this conflict the FCMQ has been reminding the government of the pressing importance of bringing stability to the trail network. In light of what has transpired, we believe that this issue can no longer be ignored» continues Mr. Côté.
The Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) is the umbrella group which represents 90,000 individual members within its 209 member clubs, responsible for developing and maintaining the province`s 33,000 km of signed and groomed trails. The Federation, which counts on the dedication and contributions of over 4,000 volunteers, works in concert with the Ministère des transports to provide a framework for the sport and ensure the safety of its members. The FCMQ also partners with Tourisme Québec to promote the snowmobiling and is the main interlocutor between the Quebec snowmobiling community and the provincial government.
For additional information on the FCMQ and its activities, please visit www.fcmq.qc.ca
