Community, environmental, civic and labour organizations, in cooperation with Sémaphore, illuminated a wall in downtown Montreal to denounce the excesses of Bill 69, An Act to ensure responsible governance of energy resources and to amend various legislative provisions.
Concerned that the Minister of Energy is passing the legislation section by section while disregarding the concerns of civil society, the groups are once again demanding that the bill be postponed. The 52 amendments tabled as part of a detailed review of the bill last week and the comments made by the CEO of Hydro-Québec to the effect that it is legitimate for the government to set electricity rates itself to the detriment of rulings by the Régie de l’énergie, is of major concern to the groups.
With Bill 69, the CAQ is attacking an essential public service, Last week, Hydro-Québec lost its exclusive right to distribute electricity, which flings the door wide open to privatization. “It will cost more to produce electricity, which will have a major impact on consumers’ bills,” said Patrick Gloutney, president of CUPE Quebec.
One household in seven in Quebec either cannot pay their hydro bill or can only struggle to do so to the detriment of other basic needs. “Bill 69 puts the needs of industries ahead of public health,” said Émilie Laurin-Dansereau, a budget adviser at the ACEF du Nord de Montréal
“Considering the significant consequences this bill could have, the government cannot afford not to have an inclusive democratic debate. We’re aware of the CAQ’s tendency to resort to closure to push through its controversial bills. Going this route would be catastrophic,” added Sophie Thiébaut, coordonnatrice d’Attac Québec.
Decisions on Quebec’s energy future must not be made behind closed doors by a few of the government’s hand-picked experts. That is why the groups are demanding once again that a bona fide public debate be held on energy.