Environment: a debate in Quebec on the subject of all generations

Five candidates from the Capitale-Nationale region debated key environmental issues on Tuesday evening at the Musée de la civilisation.

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In a non-partisan formula, the candidates of the five main provincial parties presented their position on the themes of mobility, air and water quality, land use planning, protection of natural environments and agriculture and adaptation to climate change.

A few days before the poll, the population was invited by the Regional Council for the Environment of the Capitale-Nationale, Accès transports viables, Action transition, Agiro, the Forestry Association of the two shores, the Chantier ZéN – Région de Québec, Équiterre , Nature Québec and the Capital Watershed Organization and Vivre en Ville.

The debate was moderated by Roger Bertrand, former president of the National Assembly of Quebec.

unite the troops

Outgoing MP in Jean-Talon, caquiste Joëlle Boutin believes that the subject concerns all generations.

“We still have the opportunity to become leaders in the fight against climate change. These are not issues that should divide us, ”she said, admitting that she was a little idealistic.

For Liberal Dominic Cardinal, candidate in Louis-Hébert, the various parties also have a duty to cooperate on these issues.

For his part, the solidarity Etienne Grandmont, in advance to succeed Catherine Dorion in Taschereau, explained, like his leader, that QS was the only party which places the climate crisis at the top of the priorities for the next four years.

Already ready to sit in the opposition, the PQ candidate Jeanne Robin, also in Taschereau, has pledged “to put the government in front of its responsibilities” on environmental issues.

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Make the difference

Presented as the most “green” Conservative candidate, Marie-Josée Hélie has spent most of her life on Anticosti Island creating an ecological farm with food self-sufficiency.

“I presented to you the vision of the Conservative Party of Quebec, but also that of an expatriate woman on an isolated island. In Quebec, we have a real chance to make a difference on climate change.”

« Faced with the challenges of the climate crisis, citizens are now increasingly aware that the future government will have to set an example, » said Alexandre Turgeon, Director General of the Regional Council for the Environment – Capital Region – National.

This debate was part of the Week of Debates Vire au vert, a citizen mobilization initiative across Quebec.

This non-partisan debate on environmental issues was held in a respectful atmosphere, without attack or heated exchange between the candidates.