Does the CAQ maintain an unhealthy mistrust of civil society in the Northvolt issue?
Because if you criticize the project or question it: you will be labeled as activists!
This is what the Minister of the Economy Pierre Fitzgibbon did recently, accusing “certain activists and certain equally militant journalists” of maintaining “an unhealthy distrust of major projects”.
This type of attitude from the government is exactly what infuriates Quebecers the most.
We are no longer in the era of the pandemic when “Papa Legault’s” press briefing was considered gospel.
It is normal for the public to ask questions and express them in a democracy, especially in light of the facts.
The problems
Did Northvolt have a free pass?
We changed the rules so that she would not have to go through the very long BAPE process.
And contrary to what the company declared, Northvolt had discussions with the Legault government without registering in the register of lobbyists before this change in regulations.
His project was approved on the same land where a real estate project had been refused shortly before.
The wetlands that will be destroyed have a “high value,” according to government officials.
We accelerated its request for approval. The biologist who accompanied the company to complete its file is the same one who signed the final evaluation.
Northvolt will be able to carry out major work without obtaining ministerial authorization…
And even Hydro-Québec was afraid of running out of electricity with major projects, including Northvolt.
Economic columnists even question the possible fallout from the project and the sector…
These are facts that come from different media: The Journal, Le Devoir, Radio-Canada and The Press… do they all maintain this unhealthy distrust towards projects?
The government has only itself to blame for this failure.
He could have brought environmental groups to the table from the start, negotiated with them and Northvolt to reach common ground.
He could have assumed: we’re going to do this quickly, we’re going to skip steps, but this project is so good that we’re going to do it.
Quebec could also have brought this issue to the forefront during the last electoral campaign and asked for a clear mandate to build a sector at all costs.
But no…
Major projects
It is false to suggest that Quebecers are no longer capable of building great things.
Even today, as a people, we can build Hydro-Québec.
We still need a government capable of explaining its vision, defending it and selling it.
When René Lévesque wanted to nationalize electricity, he took his teaching stick and explained, with a cigarette in his mouth, why the risk was worth it!
He responded to criticism with facts.
He listened to fears and responded to them.
Obviously, it is not René Lévesque who wants…