The Union of Municipalities (UMQ) asks that its members be prioritized for funding from the Blue Fund. A request rejected out of hand by the Minister of the Environment, Benoit Charette.
The new president of the UMQ, Martin Damphousse, pleaded his case Tuesday morning during consultations on Bill 20 which will establish the fund in question.
“Municipalities play a leading role in land use planning, drinking water supply and environmental protection, as well as through their ability to take into consideration the complex and unique realities of their territory,” he said. he argued.
An argument that did not convince the Minister of the Environment, who maintained that he had to refuse, because all the groups were going to ask for the same thing.
“The answer I’m going to give you, I’m going to give to all the groups; you will not be prioritized. Don’t take it negatively,” he replied.
“We have to get rid of the reflex of wanting to protect our personal interests, but think collectively and globally how we can better use this resource,” he added.
UMQ policy advisor Charlotte Legault-Bélanger, who accompanied Mr. Damphousse, insisted on going further with her organization’s request. “Municipalities have the advantage of being able to unite citizens. They are elected, it is a local government. They know the reality on the ground,” she explained.
The purpose of the Blue Fund will be to finance water protection, restoration and development measures such as flood control and prevention as well as the conservation of aquatic ecosystems.
The bill specifies that it aims “to provide financial support to municipalities and non-profit organizations working for the protection, restoration, development and management of water”.
Coping with climate change
The UMQ also asks that “drinking water supply in the context of climate change be added to the list of matters that can be financed by the Blue Fund”.
“Climate change generates phenomena that amplify the risk of water shortage episodes, increase water temperature, reduce the capacity for regeneration of groundwater tables and reduce the dilution factor,” said Ms. Damphouse.
“It is therefore essential that the Government of Quebec commit to providing financial support to municipalities for the implementation of measures, such as the development of an inspection plan for independent septic systems, water management planning storms, or even the revitalization of the banks,” he added.
The Blue Fund will be endowed with an envelope of 500 million dollars. In addition, Bill 20 will increase water charges by 900%.