Quebec goes electric in a bid to reduce oil dependency
Quebec Premier Francois Legault. — Photo courtesy Gouvernement du Québec
Quebec Premier Francois Legault says his government will move to electrify transportation systems, buildings and businesses in order to reduce oil consumption in Quebec by 40 per cent by 2030.
"This is great news for the electric vehicle industry in Quebec, including Lomiko Metals which is developing a graphite project that will potentially supply graphite anodes to the Electric Vehicle Industry," states A. PauL Gill, CEO Lomiko Metals.
Legault made the announcement as his party held a general council meeting in Montreal.
Legault said his plan to electrify Quebec will require massive investments, which he said could be unlocked by reviewing the management of the government’s Green Fund and by increasing funding for infrastructure planning.
He said that from now on his government will only finance public transit projects that are electric and that are built mostly in Quebec, and will take steps to ensure that all new public buildings be powered by clean energy as of 2020.
Legault also tasked his transport minister with seven different projects, including the expansion of an existing subway line and a light-rail system being built in Montreal, as well as tramway projects for Quebec City and Montreal’s South Shore.
Legault also sought to reassure party members who have urged him not to sacrifice Quebecers’ quality of life to appease the green lobby, promising his government wouldn’t bow to pressure groups even as it listens to citizens calling for stronger action on climate change.
