Former Quebec First Minister lauds Qatar’s push for global influence as energy leader, cultural hub

Dr Philippe Couillard, the 31st Premier of Quebec, has lauded Qatar’s move to reshape its international identity by expanding its role beyond a key player in the world energy market to positioning itself as a pivotal hub for social and cultural development on the global stage.

Couillard made the statement ahead of his visit to the country next month to lead a delegation of prominent Canadian high-tech companies in healthcare and diabetes-related diseases under the auspices of the Canadian-Qatari Business Forum (CQBF) and in collaboration with the embassies of both countries.

In a statement to Gulf Times, Couillard expressed his admiration for Qatar, which, he said, is leveraging its vast natural gas reserves and significant investments in the country’s energy sector while simultaneously fostering an environment that nurtures artistic expression and cultural dialogue, citing Qatar Foundation (QF).

According to Couillard, it is encouraging to observe how Qatar has diversified from its thriving energy sector, particularly in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, and utilises LNG-derived income for the socio-economic development of the nation.

“It is reassuring to see Qatar reinvest the wealth and resources generated by its energy industry, LNG in particular, into socio-economic development. In that context, I am particularly interested in the work of the Qatar Foundation, which was founded by His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and led by Her Highness Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with a strong emphasis on education, culture, innovation, and the full participation of women in society,” Couillard pointed out.

While this coming April would be his first visit to Qatar, Couillard emphasised that he is aware of the high quality of the country’s healthcare system. He also praised Qatar’s economic transformation and efforts to bring peace to the region by taking on an intermediary role on the global stage.

“During the following years, I followed with interest Qatar’s rapid modernisation and the actions it has taken on the international scene as the country often positions itself as an energy superpower while acting as an intermediary to bring Israel and the Palestinian representatives to participate in diplomatic discussions, thus advancing the search for peace in the region. Since October 7, 2024, this has again been proven to be the case,” Couillard stressed.

CQBF executive director Yasser Dhouib told Gulf Times that Couillard’s upcoming visit to Qatar is a welcome development as the forum strives to enhance Canada-Qatar relations in a wide range of sectors, where Quebec’s former First Minister’s expertise is expected to play a crucial role.

Couillard first practised medicine, specifically neurosurgery more than 20 years ago, mostly in academic settings where I eventually became chairman of Surgery. He was also a consultant for Saudi Aramco Medical Organisation at the Dhahran Health Centre for five years, where he co-founded a neurosurgical service with Jordanian colleague Dr Mahmoud Karmi.

Couillard entered politics in 2003 and was first the Minister of Health for Quebec until 2008. He left politics for a few years but returned in 2013 as leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec. Subsequently, he became the 31st Premier of the province between 2014 and 2018.

He said, “During the interval between the two stages of my political career I also had interactions with the GCC region through my participation in the International Advisory Board together with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health.”

Couillard added: “During my career, I also acted as a consultant in many sectors beyond healthcare, such as public policy, environment, technology, and the combination of these areas in the broader topic of energy transition. I was involved with a UK-based battery manufacturing company and subsequently co-founded Eleqtrion, which specialises in energy storage with aluminium ion batteries.”