Become a member
Admin portal
fr
sodes_logo_eng

History

Present since 1985

Sodes' Foundation
Founded in 1985 by geographer Hugues Morissette, Sodes aims to promote Quebec's maritime development. Under the presidency of Jacques Auger, it has established itself as a leader in bringing together economic players linked to the St. Lawrence.
1985
Maritime conferences on development and boating
Organizing conferences to bring together the maritime community, focused on the importance of boating and sector development.
1986-1987-1991
Conference of Mayors about the St. Lawrence
A forum for dialogue between elected municipal officials and St. Lawrence stakeholders, aimed at harmonizing efforts to manage and enhance this vital ecosystem.
1992
Code of ethics for users: a commitment for the St. Lawrence
The first initiative to structure activities on the river and strengthen environmental protection.
1994
Official recognition of Sodes as the voice of the maritime industry
2001
Quebec government's Marine and River Transportation Policy
In 2001, Mr. Morissette and Sodes were instrumental in the creation of the Quebec government's first Marine and River Transportation Policy. This policy led to the formation of the Forum de concertation sur le transport maritime, which has ensured effective collaboration between industry and government ever since.
2001
Collaboration to create MTAQ
Sodes, the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) and the Quebec government have joined forces to lay the foundations of the MTAQ, an initiative designed to structure and strengthen Quebec's maritime industry.
2003
Sodes and Transport Canada join forces for the National Maritime Conference
Sodes, the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) and the Quebec government have joined forces to lay the foundations of the MTAQ, an initiative designed to structure and strengthen Quebec's maritime industry.
2004
Campaign to promote the St. Lawrence maritime industry
In 2005, the campaign to promote the maritime industry of the St. Lawrence, financed in collaboration with the Ministère des Transports du Québec, was launched.
2005
Creation of Green Marine
In 2007, Sodes took part in the creation of Alliance verte, an environmental certification program designed by and for the marine industry. Initially focused on the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes region, the program is now expanding across North America.
2007
St. Lawrence─Grands Lacs Trade Corridor Study
Another of Sodes' major files is the coordination of the St. Lawrence─Grands Lacs Trade Corridor Study, in 2008. This study highlighted major freight transportation trends, targeted obstacles and put forward solutions to overcome them.
2008
30th anniversary
In 2015, Sodes celebrated its 30th anniversary. It continues to bring together and mobilize stakeholders from different backgrounds who are concerned with the economic development of the St. Lawrence.
2015
35th anniversary
In 2020, Sodes celebrated its 35th anniversary. That year highlighted the essential and strategic role of the maritime industry—a recognition underscored, unfortunately, in the context of a global pandemic.
2020

2024 Sodes

À voter agenda ! AQSM 2025

Marie-France Daoust

Marie-France Daoust is Director of Corporate Affairs at the St.Lawrence Economic Development Council. With more than 15 years’ experience in entrepreneurship, 10 years in strategic management within the Quebec government and 5 years in public and government affairs, she stands out for her leadership and ability to bring people together. In her role, she is responsible for developing business growth strategy, forging strategic partnerships, and mobilizing maritime organizations around today’s major issues.