Latest news with #QCC
Mid East Info
09-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council Organises a Strategic Retreat to Review a Comprehensive Plan for Service Excellence
Initiative Supports Abu Dhabi's Vision of Becoming the Capital of Quality UAE, Abu Dhabi -July 2025: The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) organised a dedicated strategic retreat to review the Abu Dhabi Quality Policy and Strategy , a pioneering step towards realising the emirate's vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as the Capital of Quality . The event was attended by representatives of government entities across Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Quality Strategy outlines key objectives aimed at improving service quality, enhancing transparency, and raising efficiency levels through the continuous evaluation and development of existing systems and procedures, with the goal of achieving tangible improvements in the services provided. Clear quality standards will also contribute to strengthening public trust, reflecting the emirate's commitment to achieving the highest levels of quality. This initiative forms part of QCC's efforts to realise a comprehensive vision that encompasses all aspects of quality of life across the emirate. H.E. Eng. Fahad Gharib Al Shamsi, Acting Secretary-General at QCC, emphasised the importance of collective efforts in fulfilling Abu Dhabi's aspirations in the field of quality, which will contribute to enhancing quality of life and strengthening the emirate's position on the global stage. He affirmed that Abu Dhabi possesses an ambitious vision and a strong will to achieve remarkable accomplishments in the field of quality, expressing the emirate's aspiration to rank among the world's top ten on the International Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index . H.E. Eng. Abdullah Ahmed Al Yazeedi, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector, highlighted the importance of this strategic retreat, stating: 'Through this strategy, QCC aims to strengthen partnerships and collaboration between government entities across the emirate, which will contribute to improving services, enhancing economic growth, and elevating the overall quality of life in the future. Achieving this requires us to work as one team and foster effective cooperation among all relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, partnerships between the public and private sectors are fundamental to achieving these objectives. It is also essential to conduct a thorough analysis of quality infrastructure gaps at both the national and international levels to guide future efforts.' Abu Dhabi has made remarkable progress in recent years, with the UAE advancing six positions in the 2024 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index , issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The UAE moved from 11th to 5th place globally within the category of countries with a GDP ranging from USD 100 billion to USD 1 trillion and ranked 22nd globally across all categories. This achievement reflects the continuous efforts dedicated to realising the nation's strategic objectives. At the conclusion of the retreat, all relevant entities agreed to actively participate in the implementation of this strategy, reaffirming the importance of collaboration and coordination to achieve the desired objectives. Together, we can realise our aspirations and elevate the quality of life in Abu Dhabi. Let us begin working towards a brighter future. About Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council: Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) is an Abu Dhabi government entity established in accordance with Local Law No. (3) of 2009 to raise the quality of Abu Dhabi's exports and products traded locally. QCC consists of a council of regulators and industry with a mandate to ensure provision of quality infrastructure in line with global standards. QCC's functions are divided into six key areas: developing standards and specifications, capacity building of metrology systems, strengthening testing infrastructure, launching conformity schemes, protecting consumer interests, and ensuring fair trade. QCC's key stakeholders include regulatory authorities, consumers, retailers and wholesalers, industry, conformity assessment bodies (CABs) and importers. QCC supports regulators and government organizations through offering quality and conformity facilities, expertise and resources that allow them to implement products safety and compliance requirements and regulations. Additionally, QCC works towards promoting a culture of quality and protecting the interests of consumers. In doing this, QCC seeks to promote Abu Dhabi's competitiveness to become one of the world's most attractive regions for investments and human capital, and to support the competitiveness of national industries in world markets.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council organises a strategic retreat to review a comprehensive plan for service excellence
UAE, Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) organised a dedicated strategic retreat to review the Abu Dhabi Quality Policy and Strategy, a pioneering step towards realising the emirate's vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as the Capital of Quality. The event was attended by representatives of government entities across Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Quality Strategy outlines key objectives aimed at improving service quality, enhancing transparency, and raising efficiency levels through the continuous evaluation and development of existing systems and procedures, with the goal of achieving tangible improvements in the services provided. Clear quality standards will also contribute to strengthening public trust, reflecting the emirate's commitment to achieving the highest levels of quality. This initiative forms part of QCC's efforts to realise a comprehensive vision that encompasses all aspects of quality of life across the emirate. H.E. Eng. Fahad Gharib Al Shamsi, Acting Secretary-General at QCC, emphasised the importance of collective efforts in fulfilling Abu Dhabi's aspirations in the field of quality, which will contribute to enhancing quality of life and strengthening the emirate's position on the global stage. He affirmed that Abu Dhabi possesses an ambitious vision and a strong will to achieve remarkable accomplishments in the field of quality, expressing the emirate's aspiration to rank among the world's top ten on the International Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index. H.E. Eng. Abdullah Ahmed Al Yazeedi, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector, highlighted the importance of this strategic retreat, stating: 'Through this strategy, QCC aims to strengthen partnerships and collaboration between government entities across the emirate, which will contribute to improving services, enhancing economic growth, and elevating the overall quality of life in the future. Achieving this requires us to work as one team and foster effective cooperation among all relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, partnerships between the public and private sectors are fundamental to achieving these objectives. It is also essential to conduct a thorough analysis of quality infrastructure gaps at both the national and international levels to guide future efforts.' Abu Dhabi has made remarkable progress in recent years, with the UAE advancing six positions in the 2024 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index, issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The UAE moved from 11th to 5th place globally within the category of countries with a GDP ranging from USD 100 billion to USD 1 trillion and ranked 22nd globally across all categories. This achievement reflects the continuous efforts dedicated to realising the nation's strategic objectives. At the conclusion of the retreat, all relevant entities agreed to actively participate in the implementation of this strategy, reaffirming the importance of collaboration and coordination to achieve the desired objectives. Together, we can realise our aspirations and elevate the quality of life in Abu Dhabi. Let us begin working towards a brighter future. About Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) is an Abu Dhabi government entity established in accordance with Local Law No. (3) of 2009 to raise the quality of Abu Dhabi's exports and products traded locally. QCC consists of a council of regulators and industry with a mandate to ensure provision of quality infrastructure in line with global standards. QCC's functions are divided into six key areas: developing standards and specifications, capacity building of metrology systems, strengthening testing infrastructure, launching conformity schemes, protecting consumer interests, and ensuring fair trade. QCC's key stakeholders include regulatory authorities, consumers, retailers and wholesalers, industry, conformity assessment bodies (CABs) and importers. QCC supports regulators and government organizations through offering quality and conformity facilities, expertise and resources that allow them to implement products safety and compliance requirements and regulations. Additionally, QCC works towards promoting a culture of quality and protecting the interests of consumers. In doing this, QCC seeks to promote Abu Dhabi's competitiveness to become one of the world's most attractive regions for investments and human capital, and to support the competitiveness of national industries in world markets.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Quebec Liberal leadership race: Charles Milliard shares his ‘big ideas'
Virtual medicine, paying interns and prioritizing small businesses are some of the 'big ideas' Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) leadership hopeful Charles Milliard says he wants to focus on. The pharmacist, former head of Quebec's Chamber of Commerce (QCC) and political neophyte, sat down with CJAD 800 Radio host Elias Makos to make his case about wanting to lead the oldest political party in Quebec. Some answers have been edited for clarity. ELIAS MAKOS: We've invited the candidates to sit down with us, and we've asked them to do one thing: bring us their boldest ideas, their vision for rebuilding the party and reconnecting with Quebecers. We want to shy away from cliches as we introduce these candidates to you. Charles Milliard is in studio. Thank you so much, Mr. Milliard, for coming into studio. Give me the bold idea that when Liberal Party members vote, they're going to check off your name. CHARLES MILLIARD: Well, I'm going to start by saying that my candidacy is, in a way, the boldest idea in this campaign because I'm not a politician. I'm 45 years old. I'm a pharmacist by trade. I used to be CEO of the QCC, as you mentioned, so I'm coming with a new tone, a new type of resume to lead the Liberal Party, the longest-serving party in the history of Quebec. So that, in a nutshell, is the basic line. I would say there are many challenges in Quebec, as you know, I'm going to talk about health care and education. One bold idea that I'm bringing in this campaign is to have access, from a public service perspective, to virtual health care services, telemedicine, 24/7. It has worked for the past years in the private sector. It's time that the public system goes virtual as well, and you know what? It's going to be very helpful for mental health care, precisely. Charles Milliard Quebec Liberal Party leadership candidate Charles Milliard gives remarks during the Quebec Liberal Party French-language leadership debate in Laval, Que., on Saturday, May 3, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press) MAKOS: Give me your vision for that. How does it work? Is it every Quebecer has a Quebec health care app? MILLIARD: I want a hybrid system, like the assurance medicaments, you know, for the medication we take. We're going to let the private do what it does, what it's doing best right now, but I want the public system to have access. I want people to have access to doctors, 24/7, virtually, and it's going to be very helpful in the different regions and rural areas of Quebec, where access to first-line health care professionals is a dire need. MAKOS: This is because you're looking at access to family doctors and how clogged the emergency rooms are. You think that's a benefit here? MILLIARD: I'm a pharmacist, so I know when you're sick, you need to look someone in the eyes and feel that you're being taken care of, whether it's physical or virtual. This is something that I want to implement, and I think there's a lot of interest from doctors as well because they can do that at home. They can do that at any time of the day, and you know what? All the candidates in this race have been agreeing with me, so it's looking good. MAKOS: Let me ask you one thing, though, because it's a great, big, bold idea, but it involves an app. It involves technology, and then my worry is, you're going to get the boys from SAAQclic to come on down and design it, and then it's going to cost billions of dollars with no results. How do you make sure it's not $1.1 billion later, [and it] doesn't work? MILLIARD: What we need to do more is to have, I'm going to say tech geeks, or IT guys and girls, in the Salon Bleu. We need that expertise to be represented in our parliament because obviously, times are changing. We're going to need the help of the private on that area. MAKOS: You have another bold idea here. Hit me with your next bold idea. MILLIARD: It's a long-time request of the different student federations. It's about paying our interns. When it comes to future nurses, future teachers, both from the public and private sectors, I think we need to put our students and future adults in a less precarious financial situation. This has been asked for, for 10 years, and again three weeks ago, [Higher Education] Minister [Pascale] Déry said she's not going to go forward with the idea. We want to pay future nurses, future teachers, and if students are doing internships in the private sector, it's going to be a 50/50 repartition between the employer and the public system. MAKOS: All of these measures would cost money. You compare Quebec to a lot of other jurisdictions; the amount that you pay to go to school in Quebec versus other places, seems like students have it OK in this province. I wonder why that's such a priority for you to lessen that burden, when some would argue the burden is already lower than others. MILLIARD: The cost of living is getting higher and higher in Quebec. The different food banks have new clients right now, and they're called students throughout Quebec. We've seen that pretty much in every region that I visited in the past 10 months on this race. I just want to accept this request from the student federations. I think it's going to cost between $300 and $400 million, but this is money that we're not going to put in helping the students in other situations, whether it's housing, whether it's financial aid for tuition fees and stuff. This is something that I've been very clear about from the get-go. MAKOS: If you can increase the wealth of Quebec and bring in revenues, you can pay for any program. So, give me a bold idea here when it comes to the economy. MILLIARD: It's about going back to prioritize our SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises]. We've been talking a lot about big companies in the past six years, with Northvolt, with Lion Electric, and so on and so forth. I think [Premier] Mr. [François] Legault and [former economy minister] Mr. [Pierre] Fitzgibbon played the lottery with our money. We need to go back to what we're good at, which is SMEs, which are small and medium-sized businesses, which are companies with 25, 50, 100 employees. They're the ones who are vitalizing our different regions in Quebec. The economic plan that I put out with former minister [Raymond] Bachand in this campaign, he's been with me since day one, is about rolling out the red carpet for SMEs, decreasing taxes for SMEs. We're going to have a look also at the wage taxes that entrepreneurs are paying right now, so we can send a strong signal that if you want to open a business in Quebec and bring fiscal revenue, so that we can pay for our social net, we're more than hoping to welcome your cases. MAKO: You said before, 'I want to bring in the tech bros and the tech gals,' and when you said that, I'm thinking, 'Oh, United States. Elon Musk. DOGE.' It's on the same vein that the government has too many regulations, they're getting in the way too often. Do you feel that Quebec gets in the way of doing business? MILLIARD: There is way too much regulation in Quebec. To me, it's obvious, and I've heard some of my opponents saying that they want a ministry of regulation. I would rather have a bill put into place that is going to force the different public servants to work towards more deregulation than having a ministry. This is something we need to do, both from an economic perspective, but also from a linguistic perspective, especially with the [Office québécois de la langue française] OQLF. MAKOS: Do you have a bold idea on refocusing the OQLF? MILLIARD: I'll be more precise as to what I want the OQLF to do, and it's not to get in the way of businesses in Quebec. We can say that and still be strong and fierce promoters of French and Quebec without impeding on what the businesses have to do. MAKOS: I'll give you some time here to wrap up with one more bold idea, if you've got it for us. MILLIARD: I'm going to say that on identity, this is a field that we need to play. We don't have to leave the [Coalition Avenir Québec] CAQ and the [Parti Québécois] PQ alone. I'm the only one who has been courageous enough with proposing a bill on interculturalism, which is a way to recognize that Quebec is like a tree, and the tree trunk is the French language, of course, and we have branches, which is the English-speaking community, our First Nations and Inuit, the different cultural communities we have, but we want them to bear fruit. We want them to grow with our tree trunk, which is the French language, and this is my answer to the divisive politics of the CAQ and the PQ, who want to bring a customs [office] to Gatineau instead of uniting Canadians. MAKOS: It seems to me that you also really do believe that integration is key. MILLIARD: I want us to be a liberal society, which means that we have to respect and defend all the minorities, and this is what the Liberal Party has been all about for 157 years, and hopefully for the next 10 years, with me leading it.
Perth Now
03-05-2025
- General
- Perth Now
‘Death sentence' for koala population as site designated for 210,000 residents
Experts are warning the Queensland government's plan to turn koala habitat into housing is a 'death sentence' for one of Australia's most iconic native animals. The state government announced the Priority Development Area (PDA) at Southern Thornlands in Redlands on April 4, covering an 890ha area with around 8000 new houses set to be built. The Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) argues that the development will be a 'death sentence' for animals in the area known as the 'Koala Coast'. About 185ha of core koala habitat that provides important food and shelter for koala populations is set to be destroyed by the development, according to the QCC. 'Koalas are on the brink of extinction in South East Queensland, and we must protect the remaining habitat, not carve it up for the benefit of big developers,' Nature Campaigner and Ecologist Natalie Frost said. 'This PDA is at odds with the local council, community and the needs of Queensland's environment. It's a great shame to see the state government failing in its duty to protect one of the nation's most iconic and loveable marsupials, the koala.' The QCC is calling for the state government to revoke the PDA and instead renew and strengthen South East Queensland Conservation Strategy, which is set to expire this year. The Queensland Conservation Council is calling for protection of a remaining koala habitat. Credit: The Queensland Conservation Council 'The LNP has stated that it will reform the planning system, but where is the detail, and is this what reform looks like? David Crisafulli has talked about the problem of losing koala habitat to development, but offered no details except to say it should be protected,' Frost said. 'By building up in the right places, not out, and adopting sustainable design principles we can protect SEQ's remaining 35 per cent remnant bushland and 31 per cent koala habitat and start making habitat restoration a habit, while still creating affordable, well-connected and liveable homes.' Redland City Council said that now the PDA has been declared, the Redland City Plan will no longer apply to the area and council will have no formal control over planning and decision-making within the designated PDA area. Some 185ha of koala habitat is set to be affected by the development, according to the QCC. Credit: AAP Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) said the PDA would offer housing choices to the community, as well as provide an integrated approach to infrastructure planning, including transport, schools and community facilities. 'The Southern Thornlands PDA will play an important role in addressing Redland City Local Government Area's future housing, infrastructure, and economic needs,' EDQ said. 'Recognised as a priority future growth area in Shaping SEQ in 2023, this PDA supports the region's future growth.' EDQ said that by 2046, Redlands is predicted to grow to a population of approximately 210,000 residents. 'New and diverse housing is required to accommodate this growth,' they said. However, community run group Redlands2030 said the PDA will likely lead to the 'local extinction of koalas' in the area. 'What is needed is a planning approach that puts koalas as a priority consideration,' Redlands2030 president Steve McDonald said. 'But instead, a PDA is a top-down planning process. It will be another assault on the livability and quality of life in the Redlands, and it will likely see lots that are less than 300sqm, as well as duplexes and other higher-density housing options.' EDQ said that it appreciates that a development of this scale will affect people who live and work locally, and are engaging with the community and stakeholders. The group said a formal consultation period for community feedback on the proposed Development Scheme will also be set.
7NEWS
03-05-2025
- General
- 7NEWS
‘Death sentence' for koala population as site designated for 210,000 residents
Experts are warning the Queensland government's plan to turn koala habitat into housing is a 'death sentence' for one of Australia's most iconic native animals. The state government announced the Priority Development Area (PDA) at Southern Thornlands in Redlands on April 4, covering an 890ha area with around 8000 new houses set to be built. The Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) argues that the development will be a 'death sentence' for animals in the area known as the 'Koala Coast'. About 185ha of core koala habitat that provides important food and shelter for koala populations is set to be destroyed by the development, according to the QCC. 'Koalas are on the brink of extinction in South East Queensland, and we must protect the remaining habitat, not carve it up for the benefit of big developers,' Nature Campaigner and Ecologist Natalie Frost said. 'This PDA is at odds with the local council, community and the needs of Queensland's environment. It's a great shame to see the state government failing in its duty to protect one of the nation's most iconic and loveable marsupials, the koala.' The QCC is calling for the state government to revoke the PDA and instead renew and strengthen South East Queensland Conservation Strategy, which is set to expire this year. 'The LNP has stated that it will reform the planning system, but where is the detail, and is this what reform looks like? David Crisafulli has talked about the problem of losing koala habitat to development, but offered no details except to say it should be protected,' Frost said. 'By building up in the right places, not out, and adopting sustainable design principles we can protect SEQ's remaining 35 per cent remnant bushland and 31 per cent koala habitat and start making habitat restoration a habit, while still creating affordable, well-connected and liveable homes.' Redland City Council said that now the PDA has been declared, the Redland City Plan will no longer apply to the area and council will have no formal control over planning and decision-making within the designated PDA area. Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) said the PDA would offer housing choices to the community, as well as provide an integrated approach to infrastructure planning, including transport, schools and community facilities. 'The Southern Thornlands PDA will play an important role in addressing Redland City Local Government Area's future housing, infrastructure, and economic needs,' EDQ said. 'Recognised as a priority future growth area in Shaping SEQ in 2023, this PDA supports the region's future growth.' EDQ said that by 2046, Redlands is predicted to grow to a population of approximately 210,000 residents. 'New and diverse housing is required to accommodate this growth,' they said. However, community run group Redlands2030 said the PDA will likely lead to the 'local extinction of koalas' in the area. 'What is needed is a planning approach that puts koalas as a priority consideration,' Redlands2030 president Steve McDonald said. 'But instead, a PDA is a top-down planning process. It will be another assault on the livability and quality of life in the Redlands, and it will likely see lots that are less than 300sqm, as well as duplexes and other higher-density housing options.' EDQ said that it appreciates that a development of this scale will affect people who live and work locally, and are engaging with the community and stakeholders. The group said a formal consultation period for community feedback on the will also be set.
