Although ambitious, the Parti Québécois (PQ) greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction plan does not include any measures forcing consumers to change their habits. Question, says his boss, not to “blame” anyone.
“We believe that it is not by making citizens feel guilty that we will encourage people to vote for a government that will have environmental priorities,” said Chief Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.
The PQ is committed to reducing GHGs by 45% by 2030 compared to 2010. By way of comparison, the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) advocates a reduction of 37.5%, the Liberal Party of Quebec between 40 and 45 % and Québec solidaire by 55%, but with 1990 as the reference year instead of 2010. The Conservative Party has no GHG reduction objective.
The PQ plan presented on Tuesday provides for the ban on the sale of gasoline vehicles from 2030, five years earlier than the Legault government recommends. But to get there, the party targets car manufacturers and rejects the idea of taxing people who buy big cars.
“At least,” said Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon, sports utility vehicle (SUV) enthusiasts will be driving in electric mode starting in 2030.
“What from my point of view is not realistic is to say to people who have no options at the moment: we are going to impose penalties on you, we are going to make your life even more difficult. than she is […] without giving you any options,” said the PQ leader.
Against “virtuous declarations”
Without naming them, he skinned Québec solidaire in this regard by mocking those who pour into “brilliance” and “virtuous declarations”.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon also targeted the CAQ, whose GHG control plan is “clearly insufficient”. However, he says he is in favor of the local development of a battery production industry like the one advocated by the outgoing government.
To reduce emissions, the PQ intends to double the supply of public transport in ten years, in town and in the regions, thanks in particular to the creation of a “PasseClimate”. This transit pass would give unlimited access to all public transit networks in Quebec for $365 per year.
In the industrial sector, it proposes in particular to better subsidize good practices and to prohibit the use of certain petroleum products. Estimated at 3 billion dollars per year, his plan would be financed in part by the Generations Fund.
“The Parti Québécois has always been the most serious when it comes to the environment,” launched its leader.
More details will follow.