Plan Nord is focused on opening up opportunity for permits, roads, infrastructure, to encourage more mining in northern Quebec, a region rich in diamonds, copper, molybdenum, rare earths and gold.

FORBES: Magnetic North: The Canadian (Mining) Miracle

The Renard Diamond Project is located approximately 250 kilometers north of Mistissini and 350 kilometers north of Chibougamau in the James Bay region of north central Quebec.

FORBES: Stornoway, Quebec Government Reach Agreement Over Road Construction

The James Bay region is located in northern Quebec and covers 297, 332.84 square kilometers of land, making it the largest incorporated municipality in Canada.

FORBES: Plan Nord: Quebec First Nations Groups Left In The Shadows During Provincial Elections

The region is situated in the north of Quebec, between the 55th and 62nd N parallels and spans a territory of 660, 000 sq km (255, 000 sq miles) - larger than France.

BBC: The overwhelming majority of Nunavik residents are Inuit

In April, he is due to meet the region's leaders at the third Summit of the Americas, to be held in Quebec.

ECONOMIST: George Bush inspires high hopes, and a few fears

For the early French explorers who arrived in Quebec province in the 1530s, the Saint Lawrence was key to the development and success of the region.

BBC: Canada��s greatest cycling trail