My First Bill
On February 1st 2023, I was immensely proud to introduce my first bill at the National Assembly. The purpose of Bill 193 is to include the right to a healthy environment that respects biodiversity as a fundamental right in the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In light of countless unenlightened decisions made over the past four years - notably the Quebec Government elevating the allowable limit of toxic substances such as nickel levels in the air or sanctioning the discharge of dangerous waste into our lakes – this bill is more relevant than ever.
Quebec’s first ever “Fonds bleu”
A key part of being in opposition is striving to influence legislation tabled by the government. In the case of Bill 20, which will create a fund dedicated specifically to protect Quebec’s precious freshwater (which makes up 3% of the world's supply), I worked to ensure this bill guaranteed the conservation and sustainable management of our water.
An interconnection line between Hertel and New York
I consulted on Bill 13, which would approve a Hydro-Québec project building a line to transport our electricity to New York. I analyzed the project by considering the social, economic and environmental impacts, though what ultimately convinced me to vote for the project was the leadership of Grand Chief Sky-Deer of the Mohawk nation of Kahnawake.
National Assembly
Having spent decades working, volunteering and advising in the charitable and non-profit sectors, I understand the critical role government can play in supporting the organizations, businesses and communities striving to improve the wellbeing of the most vulnerable members of our society.
Spokesperson - My Files
Opposition parties assign their elected MNAs certain files based on their interests, experience and expertise. From our election in 2022 through to the end of 2023, I served as our party's spokesperson for Environment and Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks. Now in 2024 my files include Social Economy, Social Solidarity and Community Action.
Climate & Environment, Wildlife and Parks
The climate crisis is without doubt the greatest challenge of the 21st century. It's a reality that concerns us all, and combating it requires bold action at every level of our society and economy, from the individual to the state. The need for strong government action on climate is one of the key reasons why I decided to stand for election.
While I have great faith in our youth, I don't believe in paying lip service or passing the buck. As an environmentalist, an educator and, above all, a parent, I've dedicated much of my life to preparing the next generation for success. I'm also used to thinking and collaborating across diversity - different cultures, countries, sectors and generations - to develop and implement bold solutions to national and global problems. Tackling the climate crisis demands nothing less.
There has been too much talk and not enough action. Far too many governments have engaged in what I call “planetary procrastination” and we are running out of many simple solutions, leaving us with many difficult decisions about how to deal with climate change, both by adapting to it and by mitigating its worst effects.
We need ambitious public policies to meet the challenge of fighting climate change and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, while positioning Quebec as a world leader in the green economy.
It's true that the facts about biodiversity loss, climate change and other environmental issues can make us intellectually pessimistic, but I believe we have an obligation to be operationally optimistic. This means acting with hope and courage in the face of adversity.
Study of budgetary appropriations
Each year as the Quebec government tables its budget, opposition parties get a chance to dive deep into past and planned spending, and question different ministers on why certain decisions were made during the previous fiscal year. As the opposition critic on Environment and Climate Change, as well as for Wildlife and Parks, I questioned Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks on his government’s lack of ambition for reducing Quebec’s emissions and protecting biodiversity. I also questioned four other ministers, including Roberge and Girard, on subjects ranging from the circular economy to Canadian Francophonie.
Legislation 2024
Legislation 2023
Bill 595 was made into law!
In 2023 I tabled a bill that would proclaim October 15th as Quebec Perinatal Bereavement Awareness Day, and in February that bill was passed into law. This was also the first piece of legislation presented by ANY opposition MNA since the 2022 election that was passed – and unanimously so – by all parties in the National Assembly. This experience gives me hope that there is room for further collaboration on issues that transcend partisanship.
I can't tell you what a meaningful experience that was for me. On the day Bill 595 was passed I was overwhelmed by the personal stories of loss shared with me from so many colleagues, constituents and people across Quebec. Each one of them is part of the 23 000 families annually across our province who are touched by the loss of a baby, and so to kickstart a national conversation that I hope will lead to concrete measures to support these families was truly special.
Thank you again to all those who made this possible. ❤
Bill 693: A win-win for individuals and society
In line with my new files, I introduced a bill that would remedy a barrier faced by many people receiving social solidarity benefits. It’s called Bill 693.
You may not know this, but there is a very low ceiling of $200 per month that people on social solidarity can earn before their benefits are cut off. It’s true that there are many Quebecers with severe employment restrictions who are unable to work more than a few of hours per week, but there are also many who can.
Bill 693 would allow these people to work more without being penalized, to go from working three hours a week to ten, for example. Not only would this enhance their living conditions, it would also facilitate social integration and boost self-esteem. It’s also good for our economy as it would contribute to resolving the labour shortages in a great many Quebec industries.
Holding the Government Accountable
My motion to support municipalities in the face of our new climate reality
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That the National Assembly take note that climate change is leading to an increase in the scope, frequency and intensity of phenomena such as heat waves, droughts, smog, forest fires, tornadoes and high winds, thunderstorms, floods and ice storms;
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That, consequently, it take note of the demands of municipalities to adapt infrastructure in response to these climate events, and that the government make available to municipalities increased financing, for the benefit of the citizens of Quebec, by the end of the year.
I've introduced the following motions in the Salon Bleu:
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That the National Assembly take note that climate change is leading to an increase in the scope, frequency and intensity of phenomena such as heat waves, droughts, smog, forest fires, tornadoes and high winds, thunderstorms, floods and ice storms, and that the government make available to municipalities increased financing to adapt infrastructure in response to these climate events.
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That the National Assembly take note that the road transport sector alone is responsible for 34% of greenhouse gas emissions in the province; and that it ensure vehicle advertising transmit the relevant and necessary information to enable consumers to make informed choices, particularly about the environmental impact of their vehicle.
Over the course of my first parliamentary session in Quebec, I had the opportunity to ask the government a number of questions related to my files and my community. Here are a few highlights:
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How does the Premier justify his glaring lack of ambition in the face of the climate crisis?
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Following the COP15 summit in Montreal on biodiversity, what is the government's plan to protect 30% of Quebec's territory as put forward by the UN?
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The worst groundwater contamination in North America is located in Mercier, endangering the health of residents. How does the government plan to decontaminate the territory and ensure an autonomous supply of drinking water?
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What does the Minister of Housing have to say to all the single mothers across Quebec struggling to find affordable housing while subsidized housing like Project Chance remain shuttered?
I regulalry rise in the National Assembly to pay tribute to extraordinary people and causes in our riding. Here's the list so far:
Here is a list of councils, delegations and conferences in which I have participated in my capacity as the official opposition of Quebec’s spokesperson on climate and the environment, wildlife and parks:
The government’s insufficient plan for a Green Economy
In May 2023 the government presented its plan to adapt our economy to the realities of the climate crisis, though it fell far short. They stuck with their unambitious target of 37.5% reduction in emissions by 2030, and admitted they’ve only identified 60% of the measures necessary to meet that target. They have underinvested in the adaptations we must make to mitigate the damages we now know are inevitable, and have yet to present any plan when it comes to protecting biodiversity. On climate, this government has failed.
Environmental disasters across Quebec
The wildfires that rages across our province last summer touched us all, though these are not the only climate & environmental challenges being faced by our communities. I've visited places like Châteauguay, Mercier, Léry and Ste-Martine, all of which lack access to clean drinking water. I've gone to Chicoutimi where their battery sorting centres are constantly catching fire.
Génération climat Montréal
I had the opportunity to speak alongside Génération climat Montréal to call for the creation of a permanent youth climate commission to advise the Quebec government on addressing the climate crisis. It is vital that we as elected officials forge an intergenerational partnership with young people as we endeavor to meet the defining challenge of our lives.
COP28 in Dubaï
Consistent with my role as Quebec’s Official Opposition Critic on Climate Change, I spent the first week of December 2023 at COP28, the annual Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change during which the world gathers to assess and advance global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.
My Big Takeaway
The big takeaway from this climate COP was that fossil fuels were explicitly named as the source of the problem. It only took 30 years of negotiations to acknowledge this reality!
Quebec has long been recognized as a climate leader given that we don't rely on fossil fuels to produce our energy; but it's important to remember that our per capita consumption of fossil fuels remains among the highest in the world.
Young People Leading the Charge
What gives me hope more than anything else is the fact that young people across the world are stepping up as climate leaders. They understand that we are living through the defining decade on climate, and that the decisions we make now will be incredibly impactful on their futures.
Political Courage
In my conversations with my long-time climate collaborators, especially with one of my mentors Al Gore, COP28 allowed us to take stock of the monumental work needed to confront the climate crisis. We know the science; we know the solutions. What is lacking now is the political courage to follow through.
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The beginning of COP15, a UN conference where some 200 countries gathered in Montreal to make concrete commitments to halt the loss of the world's biodiversity.
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The 50th anniversary of the Westhaven Elmhurst Community and Recreation Association.
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The 80th anniversary of the NDG Community Council.
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Nowruz, the Persian new year.
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Earth Day, which aims to raise global awareness of environmental protection.
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The participation of Loyola High School in the RSEQ provincial hockey championships.
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The extraordinary contribution of Women on the Rise, an organization that breaks down isolation and connects women with the resources and skills they need to thrive and become self-sufficient.
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Montreal Families, a NDG-based small business run by two local mothers, announced its closing after 25 years of sharing resources and advice as well as storytelling in support of young families.
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The Extra Miles senior visiting program celebrated 25 years of fighting social isolation among seniors in NDG and Montreal West by ensuring they stay connected to their community.
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The Montreal West Public Library celebrated its 50th anniversary this year! It is a pillar of our community and long-time advocates of literacy and life-long learning.
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Janet King's extraordinary service to our Montreal West community and beyond.
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Pauline and Sam Ducharme’s decades of dedicated service to Montreal West civic life, sports, recreation & culture as well as the Catholic community.
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LOVE - Québec (Leave Out Violence), an organization combatting social isolation among youth, as well as their executive director Robyn Dalton, an exemplary NDG resident.
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The St. Patrick's Society of Montreal on St. Patrick's Day!
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Climate Reality Canada is an initiative I co-founded with Al Gore, and on Earth Day I paid tribute to past executive directors Peter Schiefke and Andree-Yanne Parent.
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Les amis du parc Meadowbrook are a small group of thougtful, committed citizens who have collectively committed decades to creating a protected parc at Meadowbrook golf course.
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Miriam Green played a pivotal role in founding the Queen Elizabeth Health Complex in NDG, and it felt important to recognize her 22 years of dedicated leadership.
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The Shadd Health & Business Centre in my NDG riding honours the legacy of Mary Ann Shadd, the first black woman to found a newspaper.
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Pauline and Sam Ducharme are two citizens whose dedication to our Montreal West community knows no bounds.
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Joseph Lalla served the EMSB schools of NDG and Montreal West with dedication, conviction, and integrity.
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This year Villa Maria celebrates 170 years as NDG's flagship institution. Their exceptional teaching has played a key role in my journey, allowing me to stand here today.
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Marlene Jennings is my mentor, a woman who paved the way for me and countless others dedicated to serving the public interest.
Commission Work
Issues
Declarations
Parliamentary Missions
Council of State Governements-East
I’m a strong believer in the importance of collaborating towards mutual goals, which is why I was thrilled to represent Quebec at this meeting of state and provincial governments. We worked together on issues such as clean energy and environmental protection, health and transportation as well as strengthening ties between Canada and the United States.
National Assembly Delegation for Relations with Massachusetts
Given the extent to which the relationship between Quebec and Massachusetts is based on my files related to climate and the environment, it was important for me to participate in this delegation. We discussed biodiversity protection, the export of Quebec’s hydroelectricity to Massachusetts and our paths to net-zero
Great Lakes Legislative Caucus (GLLC)
As the representative for Quebec, I attended this caucus with the goal of ensuring that the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River continue to provide a plentiful source of clean, affordable water to all those who depend on them.
The Northvolt Project
The Northvolt EV battery plant has been fast-tracked by the Quebec Government for construction 30km east of Montreal. While I recognize that this project will create new jobs and contribute to building the green economy, there's a major red flag: the government changed the rules to avoid an environmental assessment of the full project. If this flagship project for this new industry in Quebec will not be assessed by the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE), it sets a very poor precedent for future projects.
Hydro-Québec
When Hydro-Québec's new CEO Michael Sabia appeared before a parliamentary commission, my colleagues and I took the opportunity to question him about their 2035 action plan to meet Quebec's energy needs. When the subject of building new hydroelectric dams came up, I stressed the importance of securing the support of Indigenous communities and protecting nature while fighting climate change. All energy projects should meet the triple bottom line of economic viability, social acceptability and environmental sustainability.
