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Press release |
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Québec Government Launches its 2030 Plan for a Green Economy |
| Montréal, November 16, 2020. – Québec Premier François Legault and the Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Laval Region, Benoit Charette, this Monday unveiled the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy (2030 PGE) along with its first implementation plan covering 2021-2026, backed by a budget of 6.7 billion dollars over five years. The magnitude of the amounts earmarked for this electrification and climate change framework policy is indicative of the government’s intent to make Québec a leader in the green economy by building on its major strength: its clean electricity. With the 2030 PGE, the government is laying the groundwork for a green economic recovery and reiterating Québec’s commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 37.5% below 1990 levels by 2030. In so doing, it is charting the course that will lead Québec to carbon neutrality in 2050. The Plan will also contribute to our collective resilience by providing our society with the tools it needs to cope with the already significant impacts of climate change. In a context of uncertainty caused by the health crisis that continues to put workers and various economic sectors to the test, the government is introducing an initial implementation plan for 2021-2026 which, in addition to reducing GHG emissions, will stimulate economic recovery and job creation. The government estimates that by 2030, this ambitious electrification and climate change project should add 2.2 billion dollars to Québec’s GDP in real terms and create more than15,500 new jobs. The added investments to support green industrial development in areas such as battery manufacturing and green hydrogen will perforce have a major impact. Making electrification a priority The government is launching a major electrification undertaking mainly in the transportation industry, but also in the building heating and other industrial sectors. Over the next five years, 3.6 billion dollars stemming from the 2030 PGE implementation plan will be invested in the transportation sector, which alone accounts for over 43% of Québec’s GHG emissions. In addition to those dollars, an unprecedented 15.8 billion dollars will be invested in public transportation through the 2020-2030 Québec Infrastructure Plan. Light trains, city and school buses, taxis, cars and trucks will all be progressively electrified. An ever greater number of Quebecers will travel in electric vehicles that are equipped as much as possible by means of Québec know-how and manufactured by local resources. The target is to have 1.5 million electric vehicles on Québec roads by 2030. Measures that will stimulate the electrification of transportation, buildings and industries and reduce GHG emissions include:
The 2030 PGE will help build the economy of tomorrow. Over the 2021-2026 period, 401 million dollars will be used to implement a set of strategies to foster the emergence of new businesses in strategic and innovative fields. The government will support the development of a dynamic industrial ecosystem focusing on electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and batteries. In addition to electricity, new renewable energy sources will diversify Québec’s energy portfolio over the coming years. Investments of 213 million dollars are planned to support the emerging renewable natural gas sector and 15 million dollars in investments to support development and the search for innovation in the green hydrogen sector. The very first Québec green hydrogen and bioenergy strategy, whose aim is to establish Québec as a future leader in these fields, will be unveiled in 2021. The government’s ambition is for Québec to be recognized worldwide for its green hydrogen, just as it already is for its clean electricity. Energy efficiency: Less is more The government will continue to focus on energy efficiency and responsible consumption. More than 307 million dollars will be invested over the next five years through the following measures:
Climate change is already having a significant impact on the economic activities, well-being, health and safety of many citizens and communities, as well as on infrastructure and ecosystems. By stressing prevention and taking future climate into account in all of its decisions, the government is acting responsibly to minimize costs associated with the impacts of climate change and will dedicate more than 389 million dollars to adaptation to the impacts of climate change over the next five years. A responsible and exemplary government The government will do its part by reducing its carbon footprint, particularly through the acquisition of Québec products and services and the sustainable management of its real estate holdings and vehicle fleet. Its objectives in this regard are as follows:
The five-year implementation plan will be reassessed annually and systematically cover the following five years, thereby resulting in a predictable, flexible and pragmatic approach. Thanks especially to the governance that was put in place following the adoption of Bill 44, the government will take achieved results, changes in climate, scientific knowledge, the economic context, the level of public buy-in and technological innovations into account in each of its updates. Quotes: “Of all U.S. states and Canadian provinces, Québec emits the least amount of greenhouse gas per capita. This is a reality we can be proud of! But rather than stop there, I invite Quebecers to build on that source of pride by going further to tackle the challenge of climate change and profoundly transform our economy. The focal point of our project is to electrify our economy. The invaluable asset of hydroelectricity, along with wind power and other forms of clean energy, will enable us to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while creating greater wealth. With our clean electricity, we can become the green battery of northeastern America and overcome our climate challenge.” François Legault, Premier of Québec “The 2030 Plan for a Green Economy is a strong move by our government to address the many collective challenges posed by the climate emergency. It’s a solid and ambitious plan to transform our society in a sustainable manner and replace fossil fuels as much as possible with our clean electricity. Our government is already at work and I am confident that with the collaboration of my Cabinet colleagues, as well as municipalities, businesses and citizens, we will succeed in our climate transition and achieve a balanced transition that will take into account the differences between regions, generations and economic sectors. Together, we will build a greener, more resilient and more prosperous Québec.” Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region Quick facts:
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SOURCES :
| Ewan Sauves Press Officer Office of the Premier Tel.: 514 585-4451 |
Geneviève Richard Press Officer Office of the Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region Tel.: 418 952-6352 |
INFORMATION :
| Media Relations Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques Tel.: 418 521-3991 |
