Questioned during the study of the Ministry of Environment’s budget credits, Minister Benoit Charrette refused to preserve the Advisory Committee on Climate Change. Furthermore, he confirmed that no meetings with the Committee have taken place since his government’s election, and that no direction regarding the Committee’s mandate had been conveyed by his ministry.
The MNA representing Maurice-Richard and Official Opposition Critic for Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change and Agriculture, Marie Montpetit, asked the government to quickly confirm that the Advisory Committee will be maintained. She also asked the CAQ to demonstrate diligence and finally take interest in the fight against climate change.
Recall that the Advisory Committee on Climate Change, which includes 14 experts, seeks to advise the Minister for Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change on reducing GHGs and adapting to climate change. It also took part in establishing the targets for 2030.
Despite tens of thousands of Quebecers mobilizing to fight climate change- the biggest socioeconomic challenge our society is currently facing and will continue to face- the CAQ is incapable of confirming that the Advisory Committee on Climate Change will be preserved. What motivates the CAQ to do without these experts’ knowledge, especially when the experts’ mandate specifically focuses on fighting climate change? The minister must immediately renew the Advisory Committee on Climate Change.
—Marie Montpetit, MNA representing Maurice-Richard and Official Opposition Critic for Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change and Agriculture
