From the moment I advised you of the Banque Nationale’s decision to abruptly terminate our 20-year partnership, a wave of email support reached us. A number of engineers have expressed their disappointment about the Bank’s decision. I want to express to you my gratitude for your solidarity. Indeed, the strength of our group continues on the basis of our ability to make choices together that will benefit all our members. Such expressions of unity constitute a powerful force to ensure that RéseauIQ disposes of the means enabling it to continue providing quality business advantages of ongoing training and promoting the engineers’ common interests.

On the other hand, a number of engineers indicated their surprise, others their confusion or even their indignation in certain cases that the Banque Nationale, on the very day of the final negotiation date, proceeded to invite all its engineer customers to join a new program. The Bank held a large market share of our customers because of the RéseauIQ’s constant efforts over the past 20 years and the engineers’ cohesion, but resolved to endanger this enviable position by wanting to offer its services to the engineers and the graduates without partnering with their umbrella organization.

In this light I am asking you to view this gamble in a comprehensive manner. We take pride in being engineers on account of our reputation and credibility we enjoy in the public eye. So, beyond of what it means to belong to the largest professional group in Québec, what can I do to lend my support to this group of 57,000 engineers and the role it plays in society?

Needless to say, we are speeding our dealings with other institutions and will keep you abreast of further developments.