MONTREAL | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE KANIEN’KEHÁ:KA FIRST NATION, October 8, 2024 — The Vire au vert coalition, made up of twenty one Quebec civil society organizations, is calling on the federal political parties represented in the House of Commons to commit to respecting the Quebec Environmental Consensus as they develop their respective political platforms for the upcoming federal election campaign.

“Policies adopted by the federal government can have significant consequences on provincial jurisdictions. Committing to the principles of this Consensus is an opportunity for the federal parties to ensure the credibility of the environmental component of their future election platforms in the eyes of Quebec voters,” said the coalition members.

The Vire au vert coalition has sent letters to the different federal parties, calling on them to take a position on the Quebec Environmental Consensus, and is awaiting a response.

 

Quebec’s environmental ambition is non-negotiable

“Throughout its history, Quebec has incorporated strong, structuring environmental principles that have guided its economic and social development. The choice of hydroelectricity and the nationalization of its production and distribution, the adoption of a zero-emission vehicle standard, the implementation of a carbon market that puts a price on pollution and caps emissions – these are all choices made by Quebecers, that have been brought together in a set of plans, strategies, laws and regulations. They make up a foundation on which our future will continue to be built,” added the members of the group.

“The Quebec Environmental Consensus is the baseline on environmental issues that must be respected by the federal parties if they want the Quebec electorate to take them seriously. There’s nothing radical about what’s in the Consensus – the policies and principles are basic common sense,” said the members of the coalition.

The Vire au vert coalition has prepared a summary of the key elements of the Consensus and has invited the federal political parties to refer to it as they prepare for the next election, to ensure that their proposals respect Quebec’s environmental orientations.

 

About Vire au vert

Vire au vert is a citizen mobilization initiative to bring environmental issues to the forefront during election campaigns. The initiative encourages citizens and elected representatives to inform themselves and mobilize on environmental issues during the election.

 

Members of Vire au vert for the federal election 2025

Accès transports viables, Association québécoise des médecins pour l’environnement (AQME), Centre d’écologie urbaine, Eau Secours, ENvironnement JEUnesse, Équiterre, Fondation David Suzuki, Fondation Rivières, Front commun québécois pour une gestion écologique des déchets, Front étudiant d’action climatique, Greenpeace Canada, Mères au front, Nature Québec, Piétons Québec, Québec Meilleure Mine, Réalité climatique Canada, Regroupement national des conseils régionaux de l’environnement du Québec, Trajectoire Québec, Vélo Québec, Vigilance OGM, Vivre en Ville

 

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For more information:

Anthony Côté-Leduc, Communications Officer, Media Relations at Équiterre
514 605-2000 | acoteleduc@equiterre.org