Montreal — Alex Tyrrell, leader of the Green Party of Quebec, and Halimatou Bah, the party’s deputy leader, are raising strong concerns over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent decision to scrap the carbon tax, a key pillar of Canada’s climate strategy.
In a recent episode of Mentalité Verte, Tyrrell and Bah criticized Carney’s policy shift, warning that it could signal a setback in Canada’s fight against climate change.
“Carney has been seen as a strong advocate for climate change action, but his decision to cancel the carbon tax sends a contradictory message. This is a clear step back in our fight against climate change,” Bah stated. “It is concerning that a policy that has been so central to Canada’s climate strategy could be so easily discarded.”
Bah, while acknowledging Carney’s economic expertise, also expressed unease about the impact of his environmental policies. “Mark Carney’s decision to remove the carbon tax is particularly troubling because it undermines financial incentives that drive businesses and individuals toward more sustainable behavior,” Bah explained. “We cannot afford to take steps back on environmental policies when the stakes are so high. The fight against climate change requires bold action, not compromises.”
Tyrrell also pointed out that Carney’s pivot toward more conservative economic policies, including tax cuts for capital gains, could alienate progressive voters. “We’re seeing a push toward more conservative economic policies, with tax cuts for capital gains,” he said. “This could be appealing to the right, but it’s definitely not in line with the environmental agenda that Canada desperately needs.”
Both Tyrrell and Bah also voiced concerns about ongoing environmental issues in Quebec, notably the Northvolt battery factory project. The project, which received significant public funding, is now facing financial instability after the bankruptcy of its Swedish parent company. Tyrrell criticized the government’s handling of the situation. “The $7 billion investment in Northvolt is now at risk, and we’re left with little clarity about the future of this project,” he said. “It’s essential that the government provide more transparency and accountability when it comes to these large-scale investments.”
In Quebec, local communities are fighting against environmentally harmful projects, with the proposed Lokimo mining project in the Outaouais region being one of the most contentious. Tyrrell argued that the government must respect the voices of local residents who are concerned about the environmental impact of the mine. “Lokimo Metals is a perfect example of how economic development often ignores the wishes of the people who are most affected by these projects,” he said. “Mining in sensitive areas like this one is a threat to our natural resources and the health of local communities. We need to prioritize the environment and public safety over corporate interests.”
Bah echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for local opposition to be heard. “Local communities are speaking out against these mining projects because they understand the long-term damage they could cause to their environment,” she said. “It’s essential that the government respect their autonomy and ensure that these decisions are made with the well-being of the people and the planet in mind.”
The Green Party also addressed the Stablex toxic waste expansion project in Blainville, which plans to import hazardous waste from the U.S. Despite significant local opposition, the Quebec government is moving forward with the project, prompting concerns about its environmental risks.
“The Stablex project is another example of how corporate interests are taking precedence over public health and environmental safety,” Tyrrell remarked. “The government’s decision to move forward with this project, despite opposition from local communities, is unacceptable. We need to stop allowing companies to profit at the expense of the environment and the health of our citizens.”
Both Tyrrell and Bah are calling for stronger environmental protections and greater transparency from the government as Quebec grapples with these critical issues. They warned that if the government continues to prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term environmental health, it will undermine Quebec’s future and its role in the fight against climate change.
“We need to move forward with solutions that protect the environment, not undermine it,” Bah concluded. “This is a turning point for Quebec, and we must demand better from our leaders.”
With growing concern over the direction of environmental policies in Quebec, the Green Party is calling on the public to stay engaged and hold the government accountable for its actions.
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