Vol 4, No 1. Discussion Paper 1

Author

Frédéric Lasserre Department of Geography Laval University Quebec Canada G1K 7P4 E-mail Frédéric Lasserre

Title

Proactive economic policy and logistics : Quebec and continental supply chains. A discussion.

Abstract

Eager to capitalize on the experience that proved so positive in the Netherlands, now the main hub in European logistics largely owing to a proactive governmental policy, the Québec government decided in 1995 to set up a policy to attract continental distribution centers (DCs) from European manufacturing firms in Montreal. This decision seemed logical inasmuch as the market trend was in favor of the consolidation of one or two continental DCs as against the former logistics trend to disseminate several regional DCs. Good geographical and economic advantages also hinted to a sound governmental endeavor. However, the implementation of this policy stumbled on conceptual problems as regards the new expectations from logistical chains from manufacturing firms. Keywords : logistics, continental integration, distribution center, costs, competitiveness, location factor.

Read the Paper

Frédéric Lasserre's Paper. Note: The paper will open in a new browser window