PV staff
Thousands of people across Quebec took part in rallies to tell Franćois Legault’s right-wing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government that they want public electricity services. The government is preparing to implement Bill 69, An Act to ensure the responsible governance of energy resources, which it tabled last June. Among other things, the bill opens up Quebec’s electricity sector to private corporations and takes steps toward the privatization of publicly owned Hydro-Québec.
Under the rallying cry of “Toujours possible!” (“still possible”), demonstrators reminded the government that it’s still possible to keep power in public hands, to bring wind and solar power back under public control.
Rallies were organized simultaneously in Baie-Comeau, Chibougamau, Chicoutimi, Rimouski, Rouyn-Noranda, Sept-Îles, Trois-Rivières, Quebec City and Montreal.
Unions, community groups and the general public came out in force to ensure that electricity remains affordable for everyone and that Hydro-Québec continues to be a public lever for the common good.
“We’re thrilled that thousands of people came out to show their support for Hydro-Québec and the public model,” said Frédéric Savard, president of CUPE local 1500 which represents workers at Hydro-Québec. “It’s not just the unions here today, because Quebecers know that we’d be better served with a truly provincial public service. Unfortunately, the government’s Bill 69 is not headed in that direction.”
“Hydro-Québec has served all Quebecers. It is a Crown corporation envied the world over for its expertise and contribution,” said Magali Picard, president of the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ, Quebec Federation of Labour). “We should be building on that model instead of privatizing Hydro-Québec’s services.”
With information and photo from CUPE.ca
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