How did Northvolt's giga-battery factory project become quicksand for Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon?
A. Because it was allowed in the few remaining wetlands on Montreal's south shore? (Ecosystems that, despite their pollution, support numerous species of wildlife, eight of which are threatened and protected by law.)
B. Because of the lack of transparency about the impact of the project, the permits and the huge subsidies granted to Northvolt without convincing explanations? (Which created a climate of mistrust.)
C. Because in Quebec we believe that it is important to listen to the opinions of scientists, experts and the public in order to make better decisions? (Which enables public consultation processes such as the BAPE to be carried out.)
D. All of the above.
The answer is D
Indeed, had the Legault government not changed the environmental regulations requiring the holding of a BAPE for the entire Northvolt project, Minister Fitzgibbon would have done a good job.
Such a process would have ensured a minimum level of transparency. This would have made it possible to highlight different solutions aimed at carrying out the project with the smallest possible environmental footprint and the best economic and social gains.
That's what BAPEs are for: making recommendations to make better decisions.
Survey
This week, two different polls found that the population wants a BAPE for Northvolt, but is overwhelmingly in favor of the project.
This is a manifestation of collective intelligence that should inspire the Legault government.
Yes, we want companies that offer alternatives to fossil fuel use, but not by creating new environmental and social problems at our expense.
Northvolt must be subject to the same rules as other major projects in Quebec since the 1970s.
The few times the rules were bent were a disaster. Just think of the impact of the McInnis cement plant in Gaspésie.
To create trust, you need transparency.
Solution
Since Northvolt is not required to carry out the environmental impact assessment and review process, which typically takes a year, the government could opt for an adjusted BAPE of three months.
The ministry responsible for the environment could quickly prepare and publish an inventory containing all the information already available on this property and the Northvolt project.
Triggering a BAPE would reassure the population and allow the Legault government to correct its mistake.
Such an investigation of the entire project would increase predictability for Northvolt and avoid the risk of denial of approval at other stages of the project. Let's think about changing the habitat of the copper red horse, which will require federal permits.
Sit-in for a BAPE
Since it is never too late to make good decisions, I will take part in the sit-in organized by the mothers on the front lines and their allies this Sunday in front of François Legault's office in Montreal. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
I will be there out of love for our children. They deserve to defend the democratic processes that protect the quality of the environment on which their future depends.
Will you join us?