The Quebec government could financially help the multinational Glencore to reduce arsenic emissions from its Rouyn-Noranda smelter or close it if the facility does not commit to stop exposing the population to this carcinogen, said Tuesday. Premier Francois Legault.
All options are on the table, explained Mr. Legault during a press conference in Repentigny which was webcast by his political party.
“Let’s be very clear: if there is no plan tabled by the company to reduce emissions to a level that is safe for the population, we cannot rule out closing the company,” he said. he says.
In the same breath, the Prime Minister explained that the jobs at the Horne smelter have a significant weight in the local economy.
“There are 650 jobs, paying jobs that bring benefits to the Department of Finance,” he said. Can we give aid that would be less than the benefits, there is an opening on this side. »
Mr. Legault did not indicate whether the costs incurred for the health care system are included in the calculation of the economic benefits.
Further details will follow.
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