In an interview on the program “Le Bilan”, the Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, tried to calm the situation after commenting on opposition to the Northvolt project, which could deter other investors.
“If the population doesn’t want the project, there won’t be a project. It doesn't matter, he said. We will let the people decide.”
Mr Fitzgibbon has no doubt that the project is of interest.
“The reason I got into politics is to create projects and collective prosperity. I think it's a unique project for Quebec, but maybe I'm the only one who thinks so,” he says.
- Listen to the Dutrizac – Dumont meeting above QUB:
Last Friday, the Swedish company paused its preliminary work after the Quebec Environmental Law Center (CQDQ) filed an injunction related to the felling of trees on the 170-hectare site.
“We will accept the decisions made on the legal side,” Mr Fitzgibbon assured.
However, the minister believes that the Northvolt project represents a golden opportunity for Quebec's economy.
“This is a very interesting project for Quebec. It will restructure an industry. “We have never had a project like this in the history of Quebec,” he claims.
Pierre Fitzgibbon also emphasizes that Northvolt is a strict company when it comes to environmental protection.
“It is a company that fundamentally pays attention to environmental protection,” he announces.
Greenpeace reaction
The head of the climate-energy campaign at Greenpeace reacted to Mr. Fitzgibbon's interview on the social network X.
“No one is more deaf than he who does not want to hear,” he wrote.
Mr Bonin reiterated that environmental associations and the public are calling for an independent environmental assessment and greater transparency on this matter.
“What are you afraid of, Mr. Fitzgibbon? If the project is good, you will approve it, right?
To watch the full interview, watch the video above.