Montreal, June 18th, 2020 - An article published this morning in La Presse reveals that the Quebec government's "green" plan will miss its own reduction target of 37.5% by 2030, a target that remains below the requirements set by science. Several environmental and social groups are joining together to express their concern and demand a green, just, credible and rigorous economic action plan that is up to the climate challenge.
According to the groups, the Legault government has a duty to be pragmatic and to clearly and concretely demonstrate the actions it intends to take in every sector of economic activity in Quebec. Its plan must engage each department and mobilize all of Québec society in a shift towards a just and green transition, supported and coordinated by the government. Specific objectives and rigorous performance indicators must accompany the plan to measure the effectiveness of the actions.
For several weeks now, civil society has been calling for a just and green economic recovery. From the business community to environmental groups, including major trade unions, community groups, the health sector and citizens' groups, everyone sees these economic recovery plans as an unprecedented opportunity to implement solutions that will also enable us to respond to the other crisis: the climate crisis.
Some, like le Pacte pour la transition, have proposed the basis of an action plan for a green and just transition, the Groupe des 15 has also brought its share of solutions and others are being developed, including Québec ZEN, of the Front commun pour la transition énergétique. There is an incredible amount of expertise in Quebec regarding the solutions to be implemented. The government has a duty to develop its plan by consulting various civil society players in a spirit of consultation and social dialogue in order to take action.
The popular will was clearly expressed through a poll published last week, which revealed that 83% of Quebecers want the government to do the same or more to fight climate change and protect the environment. Also, 72% consider that it is urgent to act to fight climate change and protect the environment. Our government has strong support for taking ambitious action to deal with the climate crisis. It can build on this broad consensus to implement best practices towards a viable economy.
Unfortunately, the signs sent by the government in recent weeks often run counter to the actions we should be taking. Given the absence of the Ministry of Sustainable Development from the economic recovery committee, and following the tabling of the very controversial Bill 61, we cannot help but be concerned about the lack of vision and ambition of our government, which is clearly failing to translate words into action.
The solutions are there. The will is clear. The ball is in the government's court.
Note:
Groups point out that the government's current target of a 37.5% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 falls far short of what the science tells us. Science requires a 50% reduction in global CO2 emissions by 2030 if global warming is to be limited to 1.5°C as set out in the Paris Accord. Quebec's current target must therefore be reviewed to be more ambitious and in line with the requirements of science.
-30-
Media:
Rosemonde Communications
Rosemonde Gingras - 514-458-8355
rosemonde@rosemondecommunications.com
Signatories
Le Pacte pour la transition
Greenpeace Canada
Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE)
ENvironnement JEUnesse (ENJEU)
Mouvement écocitoyen UNEplanète
La Planète s’invite au Parlement
Table des regroupements provinciaux d’organismes communautaires et bénévoles
Mères au Front - Mothers Step In
Front d'action populaire en réaménagement urbain
Action Climat Outaouais (ACO)
Action Environnement Basses-Laurentides (AEBL)
Syndicat de professionnelles et professionnels du gouvernement du Québec (SPGQ)
Coalition solidarité santé
Groupe de recommandations et d’actions pour un meilleur environnement (GRAME)
Pastorale sociale - Église catholique à Montréal - Social Action Office – Roman Catholic Church in Montréal
Nature Québec
Comité des Citoyens et Citoyennes pour la Protection de l’Environnement Maskoutain
Le Projet de la réalité climatique Canada - The Climate Reality Project Canada
Fondation David Suzuki - David Suzuki Foundation