CAQ bill on energy | Christine Fréchette evokes Donald Trump to justify the delay

(Quebec) What is happening with Bill 69 which aims to give Quebec free rein to double its electricity production? The Legault government’s centerpiece in terms of energy was not studied during the current parliamentary session and it is not on the schedule for the last week of work. The Minister of the Economy and Energy, Christine Fréchette, mentions the future tenant of the White House, Donald Trump, to justify this delay.

“The arrival of the new administration in the United States has changed the situation a little. If there are tariffs that are imposed, that will change the nature of the competitiveness of businesses in Quebec and, therefore, we want to see how things will work out before moving forward, because it There is in particular the question of pricing in the bill,” explained Minister Fréchette at a press scrum on Monday in Montreal.

The Minister of Energy said that “a few elements” could be modified in the legislative document. “But we must see to what extent the possible pricing element on Quebec exports will change the situation, or not,” added the minister.

President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian products has caused shock waves on this side of the border. Last week, Prime Minister François Legault said that these tariffs would also affect Quebec electricity exported to the United States.

Up to 185 billion by 2035

Bill 69 aims to modify the regulation of the energy sector in order to respond to the increase in demand required for the decarbonization of the economy. Hydro-Québec plans to invest up to 185 billion by 2035 in order to double its production.

It also changes the way electricity rates will be set. Despite the increase in production that will be necessary, the Legault government ensures that residential rates will be capped at 3%. It will rather be up to companies to pay for the energy transition.

The legislative document was tabled by the former Minister of the Economy and Energy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, last June. After her shock resignation in September, it was Christine Fréchette who had to replace her colleague at the last minute to lead the special consultations on the bill. The detailed study is still awaited.

Before his resignation, Mr Fitzgibbon had spoken of “significant increases” in prices within five or ten years.

“The government is entangled”

The Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) deplores the delay of the bill. “For our part, we have been ready for months, but it is clear that the government is entangled in the issues linked to Fitzgibbon’s “legacy”. We lost an entire year moving forward in the energy future because of CAQ procrastination,” said liberal leader Monsef Derraji in a written statement.

“It may not be a bad idea for the government to want to revise the bill in light of recent developments in the United States. But in reality, it is a bandage on a gaping wound. This bill needs to be withdrawn,” said PQ leader Pascal Paradis in an interview with La Presse Canadienne.