Thanks to all for all the information.  The background for the question is that in north eastern québec large areas are being cleared for lowbush blueberry production and the producers need pollination services.  It's quite expensive to bring bees into this area so the local ag department is interested in beekeeping in these areas.  To me it seems logical to start with hives not infested with varroa which could be brought in from NewFoundland but most beekeepers here argue that we have to learn to deal with varroa. With all the direct and indirect problems related to varroa and treatments against it I find this strange.

Thanks again,
Kristine
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