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Montreal, November 12, 2026 — Today, Équiterre and 21 Quebec organizations are joining more than 60 coordinated actions nationwide, spearheaded by 350.org, to urge MPs in their home ridings to block Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act.
Why Bill C-39 must be rejected
Major projects, such as pipelines, mines, and industrial infrastructure, must not be granted a free pass at the expense of environmental protections. Équiterre and the other organizations mobilizing today are demanding transparent, science-based decision-making that protects living environments and genuinely meets community needs.
“Sacrificing species at risk and prioritizing profits for foreign investors is no way to build a strong Canada. The government needs to do a better job protecting nature and local communities,” states Marc-André Viau, Director of Government Relations at Équiterre.
A Léger poll commissioned by Équiterre found that 66% of Canadians (rising to 70% in Quebec) want environmental protections maintained or strengthened.
What's happening today
In Trois-Rivières
Équiterre, in collaboration with the Comité de solidarité de Trois-Rivières and citizen groups, is holding a rally outside MP Caroline Desrochers’ office.
The MP for Trois-Rivières is the only Quebec Liberal sitting on the committee that is reviewing Bill C-39.
Time and location: starting at 3:30 pm, in front of 1240, rue Royale, Trois-Rivières.
In Québec City
Spearheaded by Équiterre in partnership with Les AmiEs de la Terre, MAMO First Nations, Univert Laval and Mères au front – Ville de Québec, a brass band and stilt-walkers will liven up a rally outside the constituency office of MP Joël Lightbound.
As Quebec Lieutenant, Mr. Lightbound is tasked with defending Quebec’s interests in Ottawa.
“The federal government is using the climate of uncertainty created by the United States to seize more power. If it wants to advance projects of national interest, we are here to talk about ecology and respect for Indigenous rights,” said Anne-Sophie Trottier of AmiEs de la Terre de Québec.
Time and location: starting at 11:50 am, outside 3700 Campanile Street, Quebec City.
In Montréal
Several events are planned in Montreal today. Youth from La Repousse will head to the constituency offices of Anna Gainey and Marc Miller around midday.
“Bill C-39 is being presented as a way to build a strong Canada. What it actually does is allow big corporations to fast-track their megaprojects, making it harder for youth to protect a viable future,” said Ève Claveau, student and activist with La Repousse.
In the afternoon, Équiterre, Mères au front, Greenpeace, Common Horizon, and Seniors for Climate Action Now! will mobilize near the office of Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry. A theatrical performance will illustrate the industrial and economic interests promoted by C-39, at the expense of the environment and communities.
The Council of Canadians will also be holding a rally with drums and percussion outside the office of MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Rachel Bendayan.
Time and location of the rally for Anna Gainey and Marc Miller: starting at 11:00 am, outside 3175 Saint-Jacques Street, Montreal.
Time and location of the rally for Mélanie Joly: starting at 3:30 pm, at Parc Iona-Monahan next to 225 Chabanel Street West, Montreal.
Time and location of the rally for Rachel Bendayan: starting at 3:30 pm, outside 154 Laurier Avenue West, Montreal.
In Sherbrooke
Organized by Mères au front – Sherbrooke, alongside Solidarité Sans Frontières Sherbrooke, Solidarité Populaire Estrie, the Comité Écolo de l’AÉCS, and the Coalition étudiante pour un virage environnemental et social (CEVES), a march will head to the constituency office of MP Élisabeth Brière, Deputy Government Whip.
If enacted, Bill C-39 would further weaken residents’ ability to oppose mega data centres, such as the regional project led by Keel Infrastructure.
“Bill C-39 lays the groundwork for AI data centre developers. Being able to arbitrarily declare anything in the national interest strips power from citizens—even though we are the ones who will bear the consequences,” noted Juliana Rock Sans-Remords, member of Sherbrooke Refuse.
Time and location: starting at 12:00 pm, Parc du Frère-Théode, near 1244, rue Marie-Léonie, Sherbrooke.
In Châteauguay
Under the rallying cry “C-39, C-non! Our children deserve better!”, Mères au front – Rive-Sud will gather outside the constituency office of Nathalie Provost, MP for Châteauguay and Secretary of State for Nature.
The organization is urging the MP to protect ecosystems and future generations’ right to a healthy environment, rather than easing the approval path for heavy industry at the cost of existing protections.
“As mothers and grandmothers, we have seen firsthand what happens when environmental safeguards are bypassed in the name of unrestrained industrial expansion—whether in Rouyn-Noranda, Limoilou, or Arvida. Our children deserve better than this bulldozer bill,” said Ashley Torres Oleacha, mobilization coordinator at Mères au front.
Time and location: starting at 12:30 pm, outside Suite 104, 245, boulevard Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Châteauguay.
Participating organisations
Équiterre
Mères au front
Mères au front - Rive-Sud
Mères au front - Ville de Québec
Mères au front - Sherbrooke
Mères au front - Montréal
AmiEs de la Terre
MAMO First Nations
Univert Laval
Greenpeace
La Repousse
SCAN - Seniors for Climate Action Now!
Local chapter of the Council of Canadians
CS3R - Comité de solidarité de Trois-Rivières
Union étudiante du Québec (UEQ)
Common Horizon
Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain - CSN
Solidarité Sans Frontières Sherbrooke
Solidarité Populaire Estrie
Comité Écolo de l'AÉCS
Coalition étudiante pour un virage environnemental et social (CEVES) - Sherbrooke
Fist Up, Fascism Out
Équiterre's offices are located on Indigenous lands that have not been ceded by treaty, which we now call Montreal and Quebec City. We recognize that Indigenous peoples have protected their territories since immemorial times and have used their traditional knowledge to guard the lands and waters. We are grateful to live on these lands and are committed to continuing our efforts to protect them. Read more »
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