Quebec’s Environmental Priorities for Upcoming Elections Revealed
As Quebec gears up for its upcoming elections, environmental stakeholders and organizations have highlighted key priorities that need attention. Adequately funding water infrastructure, protecting water resources, and utilizing hydroelectric power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels are among the top concerns. Additionally, stakeholders emphasize the importance of enacting a climate law to guide government actions and reforming the Endangered Species Act.
According to Vire au vert, a coalition of 24 environmental organizations, water management and protection should be at the forefront of the election agenda. Concerns have been raised by environmental groups, the Quebec municipalities union, and the Commissioner for Sustainable Development about the insufficient measures taken by the Quebec government to ensure the sustainability of water infrastructure. The Commissioner’s recent report highlights the urgent need for investments amounting to several billion dollars to address issues such as water quality, untreated wastewater overflows, and threats to human health.
One of the key requests from the Vire au Vert group is the establishment of a public registry to monitor water withdrawals effectively and manage demand during droughts. The dire state of water infrastructure has led to limitations on city development due to inadequate water supply.
Moreover, the aging water infrastructure is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Investments in both “gray” infrastructure, like sewer systems and treatment plants, and “natural infrastructure,” such as water-retaining parks and green drainage systems, are essential for mitigating flooding risks exacerbated by climate change.
Furthermore, the call for preserving public access points to water bodies and creating new ones aims to bring nature closer to communities. Research indicates that a large percentage of Quebec’s lakes and rivers remain inaccessible, highlighting the need for improved public access and conservation efforts.
Keyphrase: Quebec environmental priorities
