Hundreds of environmental activists and union members rallied in front of Quebec’s National Assembly on Sunday, voicing their strong opposition to Bill 69. They argue that the proposed legislation paves the way for the privatization of the province’s electricity sector.
Bill 69 aims to modernize Quebec’s energy regulatory framework to meet the growing demand for electricity, driven by the province’s enterprising decarbonization goals. Hydro-Québec, the province’s public utility, plans to double its electricity production by 2035, a move that could require investments of up to $185 billion.
The bill also proposes changes to how electricity rates are determined. While the Legault government assures residents that annual rate increases will be capped at 3%, businesses will bear a larger share of the costs associated with the energy transition.
Martine Ouellet, head of Climat Québec and a former Quebec Minister of Natural Resources, spearheaded the demonstration. “It’s sneaky privatization, but it’s clearly privatization,” she declared. Ouellet outlined her concerns,stating,”Whether through the privatization of distribution,the privatization of dams of 100 megawatts and less,or the privatization of shareholders…”
“We are aware that electricity needs will increase over time. Though, by privatizing electricity distribution as the government is preparing to do, it is indeed Quebec taxpayers who will pay the bill,” argued Patrick Gloutney, president of the Quebec Civil Service Union, who also participated in the protest.
The demonstration reflects growing concerns among environmental groups and labor unions about the potential impact of Bill 69 on Quebec’s publicly owned electricity system. They fear that privatization could lead to higher prices for consumers and reduced access to clean energy.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Quebec City on Sunday, voicing their opposition to a controversial bill they believe paves the way for the privatization of the province’s hydroelectric power. Demonstrators, representing environmental and labor groups, gathered outside the National Assembly, carrying signs and chanting slogans against Bill 69.
The protests also extended beyond Quebec City, with demonstrations reported in Montreal, Saguenay, Shawinigan, and Bécancour.
“More powers at Hydro-Québec”
“This means that Hydro-Québec, rather of being the owner and manager of all of its projects, will become one shareholder among many others and it will become a new private shell,” saeid Martine Ouellet, head of Climate Quebec.
Bill 69, introduced by the Quebec government, aims to grant Hydro-Québec, the province’s publicly owned hydroelectric utility, greater autonomy in developing renewable energy projects. Though, critics argue that the bill’s provisions could ultimately lead to the privatization of Hydro-Québec, a move they fear would jeopardize the province’s clean energy future and result in higher electricity rates for consumers.
Quebec’s Bill 69, aimed at accelerating hydroelectric development, has sparked debate about the future of the province’s energy sector. While the government maintains the bill strengthens Hydro-Québec’s role, critics argue it prioritizes production over consumption reduction and lacks public consultation.
Pierre-Olivier Pineau, a professor at HEC Montreal and holder of the Chair of Energy Sector Management, rejects the notion that Bill 69 opens the door to privatization. “I really wonder how we can interpret Bill 69 as a project that opens the door to the private sector when, in contrast, it gives more possibilities to Hydro-Québec to carry out its own projects,” he said.
Pineau believes the bill actually “strengthens the powers of Hydro-Québec.” however, he criticizes the Legault government for focusing on rapid production rather than addressing consumption patterns. “The government did not wont to take the path of calling into question our consumption patterns. He simply wanted to favor an increase in production,” Pineau stated.
I think that fundamentally, it is this lack of debate on the options which is at the heart of the main discomforts that we can have regarding Bill 69.
pascal Paradis, the Parti Québécois deputy and energy spokesperson, echoed the call for a public debate. Speaking at a mobilization in front of the National Assembly, Paradis emphasized the need for consultation. “The government did not have the mandate to do that, did not consult Quebecers and continues to say that it will present this bill for detailed study, but we say: withdraw this bill and consult Quebecers,” he insisted.
The debate surrounding Bill 69 highlights the complex challenges facing Quebec as it seeks to balance its energy needs with environmental concerns and public input.
Quebec’s proposed Bill 69,aimed at expanding Hydro-Québec’s reach into the U.S. energy market, has sparked controversy and calls for greater transparency. The bill,which would allow the provincial utility to export surplus electricity to neighboring states,has drawn criticism from opposition parties and environmental groups who are demanding more public consultation.
During a recent rally in front of the National Assembly, protesters voiced their concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts of the bill. “We need to know more about the long-term consequences of this decision,” stated MP Pascal Paradis, a vocal critic of the legislation. “Quebecers deserve to have a say in how our natural resources are managed.”
In response to the growing public outcry,Minister Christine Fréchette’s office emphasized that Hydro-Québec is a public asset belonging to Quebecers and that their concerns are valid. They assured the public that stakeholders in the energy sector have been consulted and their input considered.
Bill 69 was not addressed during the final week of parliamentary sessions before the holiday break, but it is scheduled for review in the upcoming 2025 session. Minister Fréchette previously attributed the delay to the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the potential for trade tariffs imposed by then-President Donald Trump.
The debate surrounding Bill 69 highlights the complex balance between economic development, environmental protection, and public accountability in managing quebec’s valuable energy resources.
## Quebec Hydro Advancement: Public Anxiety amidst Green Ambitions
Hundreds of protesters took to teh streets of Quebec City on Sunday, voicing their opposition to Bill 69, a controversial piece of legislation aimed at modernizing the province’s energy grid. Unions and environmental groups fear the bill paves the way for privatization of Quebec’s hydroelectric sector, jeopardizing its commitment to clean energy and potentially raising consumer costs.
**The World Today News:** Joining us today to discuss the controversy surrounding Bill 69 is Dr. Marie-Eve Paradis, an energy policy expert from the University of Montreal. Welcome to the program, Dr. Paradis.
**Dr. Paradis:** Thank you for having me.
**The World Today News:** Can you help our readers understand the core concerns driving these protests?
**Dr. Paradis:** At the heart of this issue is a fundamental disagreement about the future of Hydro-Québec. While the Quebec government argues that Bill 69 will empower Hydro-Québec to meet the province’s growing energy needs, opponents see it as a Trojan horse for privatization. They fear that provisions allowing for private investment and restructuring within Hydro-Québec will ultimately erode its public ownership and control, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers and a weakening of Quebec’s remarkable commitment to clean energy.
**The World today News:** Bill 69 does seem to grant Hydro-Québec more autonomy in developing renewable energy projects.How do you reconcile this apparent expansion of Hydro-Québec’s powers with the concerns about privatization?
**Dr. Paradis:** it’s a complex issue.While the bill does give Hydro-Québec greater versatility in project development, critics argue that this autonomy comes at a cost.The bill also introduces mechanisms for private investment in certain aspects of Hydro-Québec’s operations, which they see as the first step towards a gradual privatization of the utility.
**The World Today News:** The Quebec government insists that rate increases will be capped at 3% annually.Is this reassuring to those worried about the potential economic impact of the bill?
**Dr. Paradis:** While the government’s assurance on rate increases may offer some comfort, the devil is in the details.The bill proposes a restructuring of electricity rate determination, which could disproportionately burden businesses while potentially allowing for discreet price hikes for residential consumers over time.
**The World Today News:** What are your thoughts on the government’s emphasis on increasing production rather than focusing on reducing consumption?
**Dr. paradis:** This is a crucial point raised by many critics.
Quebec needs a extensive energy strategy that tackles both supply and demand. While expanding renewable energy production is essential,it should be viewed as part of a broader effort to promote energy efficiency and reduce overall consumption. Relying solely on increased production, with limited attention to
reducing consumption, is a short-sighted approach that could lead to unnecessary strain on the grid and higher costs in the long run.
**The World Today News:** Thanks for shedding light on this complex issue, Dr. Paradis.
**Dr. Paradis:** my pleasure.
