Creation of NOHEIC
In November 2023, the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) officially announced the creation of the National observatory on health and environmental impacts of contaminants (NOHEIC). This initiative is part of the governmental action plan to support the city of Rouyn-Noranda, announced in March of the same year.
Mandate of NOHEIC
NOHEIC’s mission is to develop, consolidate, and disseminate scientific knowledge concerning contaminant emissions, with a focus on health, environmental, societal, and technological aspects. The observatory also plans to establish an interdisciplinary coordination table and an independent scientific committee to propose improvements in various areas, including economics, public health, and industrial hygiene.
Financial support and partnerships
The Government of Québec supports this initiative with a total investment of 10 million dollars, in collaboration with the ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie (MEIE), the Fonds de recherche du Québec–Santé (FRQS), and UQAT. For its first year, NOHEIC benefits from specific funding of 500,000 dollars from MEIE.
Director appointment
Following a recruitment process, Mr. Daniel Proulx was appointed director of NOHEIC. With his experience in environmental health at the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Mr. Proulx brings valuable expertise to the observatory.
NOHEIC represents a significant advancement in the understanding and management of the impacts of contaminant emissions on health and the environment, relying on an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach.