As an environmental organization, it can sometimes feel like we’re in a sort of time warp. Some of the projects that we were fighting for and against a decade ago, that seemed to be victories well won, are popping back up to the surface.
As Quebecers, we’re proud of our province’s environmental leadership and the values that have shaped our society—decades of progress made through deliberate choices. We’re proud of our clean hydroelectricity and the increasing electrification of our economy. We’re proud that in 2022, Quebec became the first jurisdiction in the world to ban oil and gas exploration. And our carbon market, launched in 2013 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is internationally recognized and widely supported. Quebec was also the first province in Canada to adopt a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standard in 2016, setting the goal of 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035.
But today, fear, economic anxiety, and political rhetoric - much of it influenced by trends south of the border - are threatening that progress. Nevertheless, one thing remains certain: the environmental crises are not going away.
So what can Équiterre do in this context? While the political landscape may be uncertain, three things are clear.
1. Équiterre will continue to work towards advancing projects that truly benefit Canadians
We’re focusing our energy on positive projects that offer real benefits to people across the country.
Projects that make it easier to travel by train from one region to another. That provide affordable, energy-efficient housing. That help cities better prepare for wildfires and floods. That support farmers in feeding their communities with healthy, affordable food, while earning a decent living. That build a renewable energy network accessible to everyone and that create good, sustainable jobs.
To be worthy of the label, “projects of national interest” must do more than stimulate the economy—they must also serve the public, the environment, and our collective well-being.
2. Équiterre will continue to defend environmental regulations
Over the years, Canada has adopted key environmental laws and regulations—often thanks to the efforts of environmental organizations and concerned citizens. These protections are vital for safeguarding ecosystems, public health, and the well-being of all living beings.
Équiterre is working to ensure these improvements are not rolled back—as we saw with the weakening of the carbon tax before the last federal election. We are also watching closely for any ripple effects in Quebec, where a strong environmental consensus is rooted in decades of robust policies. The federal government has pledged to respect the Quebec Environmental Consensus, and Équiterre will hold them to that promise when evaluating projects of so-called national interest.
3. Équiterre will continue to say no to harmful projects
Équiterre has long opposed projects that threaten our climate and our communities. We played a role in ending shale gas development in 2011, stopping the Rabaska LNG terminal in 2013, cancelling Energy East in 2017, and defeating the GNL Québec liquefied natural gas project in 2021.
Unfortunately, fossil fuel projects keep popping up. But more and more people—youth groups, unions, Indigenous communities, local groups—are standing up to stop them. Équiterre will continue to support these efforts as we work to promote projects that truly benefit Canadians.
Because publicly funded pipelines that export natural resources and enrich private companies are the very opposite of what’s in the public interest.
Your support powers our efforts to protect the environment and push back against the fossil fuel industry.
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