Several citizen organizations across Quebec are coming together to amplify their voices in opposition to multiple government projects under the Legault administration. Over the weekend, members from Mothers at the Front in Montreal, the South Shore, the Lower Laurentians, Saguenay, and the Citizen Watch group Port de Contrecœur staged a sit-in outside Premier François Legault’s office in Montreal.
Their unified protest targeted various contentious initiatives, including the expansion of the toxic Stablex site, the Port of Contrecœur, the Northvolt factory’s impact on natural habitats, and Bill 97, which proposes a new forestry regime. These projects collectively pose a significant threat to biodiversity and environmental integrity, as highlighted on the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies.
The organizers emphasize the urgent need to address the government’s approach, criticizing its segmented evaluation of projects that fail to account for their cumulative environmental impact. Rebecca Pétrin, representing the coalition against Stablex, stresses the interconnectedness of environmental protection and sustainable development across Quebec.
Echoing Pétrin’s concerns, Hélène Reeves from Vigie citoyenne Port de Contrecœur condemns the shortsighted economic vision that disregards environmental consequences, jeopardizing citizens’ quality of life. Annie Marie-Marie Chapleau of Mères au Front for Bill 97 underscores the long-term repercussions of current development practices on future generations’ well-being.
Despite the challenges, Chapleau remains optimistic, advocating for collaboration among diverse organizations to influence governmental decisions. She believes that collective action and advocacy are essential to creating a more sustainable future for all.
