Ambition must be there to achieve the energy transition, but we must avoid going “too far, too fast” in order to obtain the support of citizens, believes Justin Trudeau.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during a question-and-answer session on the latest federal budget before members of the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ), Friday noon, in Montreal.
According to Mr. Trudeau, it is better to speak of “firm and determined” changes rather than radical changes when it comes to the fight against global warming and the protection of nature.
To achieve his government’s promise of carbon neutrality by 2050, “we must above all bring the citizens with us,” he said.
“But if we go too far, too fast, and we end up losing families who don’t see how they’re going to pay their rent, the groceries or take care of their children, they’ll back off in the short term. We need people to think about the medium and long term in their political and economic choices, in their investments,” continued Mr. Trudeau.
Last March, Ottawa presented its plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Reducing GHG emissions must be done in a way that demonstrates that there is room for everyone, as well as for disadvantaged families and small businesses, he added, in response to a question on the support that the federal government could offer businesses with respect to the green transition.
“If we don’t find ways to help them, encourage them and allow them to make these necessary investments and transformations for the environment, we won’t get there, despite all the desire in the world to fight against climate change. “, also said the Prime Minister.
“You have to be practical, you have to be rational and reasonable,” said Mr. Trudeau, who was accompanied by the president and CEO of the CPQ, Karl Blackburn, and the chair of the board of directors, Émilie Dussault.
He said his government is trying “to move as quickly as possible” and to act for the long term.
Lumber: stop “hurting yourself”
Mr. Trudeau was questioned on various issues, including how he intends to resolve the softwood lumber dispute between Canada and the United States. A situation that has persisted for more than 40 years and which represents “a sword of Damocles on the head of Canadian companies”, argued Mr. Blackburn.
The Prime Minister intends to continue working with the United States on this file. He sees a window of opportunity in a context where Western countries seek more to help each other in the current international situation.
“Let us stop hurting each other as allies at a time when we all want to succeed together in being able to counter this wave of injustice, authoritarianism or lack of respect for the environment. […] We will continue to demonstrate that partnerships, strategic approaches benefit everyone,” said Mr. Trudeau.
According to him, the lobby and the American forestry industry have been able to exert pressure on Washington to maintain high tariffs on softwood lumber, “which is ridiculous” in his opinion, because the United States must “import wood to meet their own needs.
On the other hand, Mr. Trudeau has shown himself to be open to taking advantage of the employment insurance reform to better support training among workers.
He also spoke of the importance of developing a better marketing capacity of Canadian companies.
Mr. Trudeau was in Montreal to announce the arrival of a vaccine manufacturing plant from the pharmaceutical giant Moderna.
This article was produced with the financial support of the Meta Fellowships and The Canadian Press for News.