Michael Sabia categorically denies desire to get involved in political debate

In response to the coverage by Journal de Montréal, Michael Sabia, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, categorically denies any desire to get involved in political debate. Mr. Sabia is simply interested in ideas likely to contribute to Québec’s economic development, an inherent part of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec’s mandate.

In this regard, the Caisse’s strategy focuses on the following three components:

• Continue to be a leading investor in the Québec economy to select the best business opportunities, and thereby generate attractive returns for its depositors;
• Work closely with promising medium-sized companies to help them develop as part of a new generation of Québec champions and promote entrepreneurship; and,
• Serve as a bridge between Québec companies and global markets to provide them with better access to growth.

“Given the great importance we attach to promoting Québec’s economic development, it is clear that we consider all thoughtful insight regarding entrepreneurship, the importance of infrastructure, development of natural resources or any other key projects relevant to Québec’s economy, interesting and worthy of discussion in a public forum,” said Mr. Sabia.

Suggesting this is a political statement would simply be inappropriate.

“The independence of the investment decision-making process at the Caisse is a core principle,” concluded Mr. Sabia.

ABOUT THE CAISSE DE DÉPÔT ET PLACEMENT DU QUÉBEC

The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is a financial institution that manages funds primarily for public and private pension and insurance plans. As at December 31, 2010, it held $151.7 billion in net assets. As one of Canada’s leading institutional fund managers, the Caisse invests in major financial markets, private equity and real estate. For more information: www.cdpq.com.