The chief caquiste François Legault was satisfied Thursday to declare that the level of risk generated by the emissions of arsenic of the Horne foundry in Rouyn-Noranda is acceptable, four days after having affirmed that the situation was safe.
Mr. Legault said Wednesday that some dramatized the health risks of discharges from the Horne smelter, which has special permission allowing it to exceed Quebec standards.
Sunday, on the show Everybody talks about itthe CAQ chief had declared that the situation was safe, following a commitment by the company to reduce its emissions without however lowering them to the level of the standard.
In an interview with Radio-Canada Thursday, Mr. Legault did not repeat the word safe.
“Public Health says that at 15 ng [par mètre cube] it’s not ideal, but there are minimal risks, he said. Now it’s up to the citizens to decide. »
Mr. Legault said that the ideal would be to reach the provincial standard of 3 ng / m3.
A few arrows to QS
Mr. Legault fired a few arrows at his Québec solidaire opponent Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois. He accused him of wanting to shut down the facility if it failed to meet standards.
The Coalition avenir Québec is presenting a former Liberal, Daniel Bernard, as a candidate in Rouyn-Noranda — Témiscamingue. Mr. Bernard has a long career in the mining sector.
On Sunday, Mr. Legault pointed out that the Horne smelter, which belongs to the Glencore conglomerate, has 650 well-paid employees.
“It’s up to the people of Rouyn-Noranda [de] decide whether or not they want the business to stay open. Public Health says it’s safe, ”said François Legault to defend himself.
Three physicians who are members of the Medical Initiative for Action Against Environmental Toxicity later criticized Mr. Legault for downplaying the impact of the emissions.
On Thursday, Mr. Legault played down their criticism. He associated them with a pressure group.
The CAQ chief seemed annoyed by the questions about the Horne foundry during the interview. He attacked the host, whom he associated with his opponents.
Further details will follow.