Not only does he not set greenhouse gas reduction targets in Quebec, chef Éric Duhaime admits they would rise under a Conservative government due to hydrocarbon exploitation.
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“The fact that we are operating from home, yes we are sure that we will increase greenhouse gases as a result. But there, by importing 100%, we are currently increasing greenhouse gases elsewhere, and often even worse because they don’t have as strict regulations as Quebec,” explains the curator.
In a long interview at his election office in Chauveau, Éric Duhaime talks about the LNG project for liquefied natural gas in Quebec, which would have created jobs here and made it possible “not to reopen coal-fired power plants in Germany”.
Photo agency QMI, Marcel Tremblay
The Conservative denounces the surpassing of the other parties’ GHG reduction targets (QS commits to a 55 percent reduction in emissions from 1990 to 2030) and advocates a planetary vision.
“I know it’s shocking. Saying that we will exploit our oil and gas in the name of the environment is not a given in Quebec. »
According to him, people can understand that “the environment doesn’t stop at Québec’s borders.” But he recognizes that this requires more pedagogy.
“If we have the opportunity to say, your gas is not transported 2000 km, it is produced locally, we eliminate transport by train, by ship, people understand […] when you say we can export to Europe and help it reduce its emissions. »
No regret
In addition to exploiting hydrocarbons, the former radio host will soon unveil a plan to downsize the state and cut corporate subsidies to fund the generous tax cut he promises to all Quebecers.
When asked about his criticism of pandemic management, Duhaime regrets nothing.
Even if we suspect his tweets downplaying COVID-19 may have encouraged conspirators.
“The government has gone way too far, I still think so. We are one of the worst places in terms of draconian measures, lockdowns, curfews, vaccines and masks. We have gone further than any of our neighbors. »
In our interview, the flag-bearer of freedom claims that he now speaks much less about the pandemic.
“Tonight, door to door, I’m going to say very little about it, inflation is the biggest concern. »
Still, in front of his puffy supporters on Sunday in Quebec, Duhaime accused François Legault of “secretly” vigorously preparing the return to wearing a mask at school.
Photo agency QMI, Marcel Tremblay
Éric Duhaime during the launch of the Conservative Party’s campaign last Sunday at the Complexe Capitale Hélicoptère.
Doesn’t he fear that some of his angry activists will cause a stir during the election campaign?
“It is save [des gens peuvent dépasser les bornes] and that’s why we need to bring them back in moderation, that’s why I offer a glimmer of hope,” he insists.
On immigration, Éric Duhaime wants all parties in Quebec to unite after the election to demand federal government powers.
Too expensive and too long
“Just laziness and duplication, it costs a farmer $15,000 and it takes a year to get a seasonal worker, it doesn’t make sense. »
Photo agency QMI, Marcel Tremblay
To eliminate a level of government and then reduce delays, he not only supports the demands of the CAQ, but dreams of a real common front.
“The question of nationality and identity can go this way. It’s not through bickering [entre caquistes et libéraux au Salon bleu]. Quebec must speak with one voice,” Mr. Duhaime said.
WHAT HE SAID…
Possible gains for the PCQ in the election:
“It’s difficult for us to assess. We feel the rise, but reality can change in two months. Our case is fragile, it can be completely frightened. »
His opposition to the new CAQ French language charter:
“If you want to be Prime Minister of Quebec, your job is to protect and promote the French fact in America. But I am not one who likes to violate rights and freedoms, especially after the two years we have just passed. »
Political scientist Martine Biron’s leap to CAQ:
“You can’t stop anyone from running for office, but it’s ethically questionable. I even confided in myself what is happening in Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, so it’s very disappointing. »
Our head of parliamentary office in Quebec City conducted interviews with party leaders a few days before the official start of the election campaign. They will be released gradually until Friday. Only the leader of the Avenir Québec Coalition, François Legault, declined our invitation.
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