The Government of Quebec is moving forward with its project to raise the standard for nickel in the air. The opposition parties in the National Assembly on Wednesday demanded the cancellation of this increase, which was decried by many organizations and associations.
Currently, this standard is 14 nanograms. It will increase to 70 nanograms of nickel per cubic meter in the air as of April 28.
Groups that have spoken out once morest the rise in nickel in the air include the Quebec Association of Physicians for the Environment, Quebec’s 18 regional public health departments, and the Order of Chemists.
The motion was presented by the member for Rouyn-Noranda Témiscamingue, Émilise Lessard-Therrien.
That the National Assembly take note of the request to cancel the increase in the standard for nickel in the airadding that there was no social acceptance behind this change.
© Lise Millette/Radio-Canada
MNA for Rouyn-Noranda-Témiscamingue Émilise Lessard-Therrien in her office in Quebec City.
The MNA also noted the opposition of the Regroupement vigilance mines de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Regional Council for the Environment of Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Stopping Committee for Toxic Discharges and Emissions of Rouyn-Noranda.
This motion was rejected by Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette, parliamentary leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec. The latter replied to the President of the National Assembly that there was no consent to discuss the issue. Which ended the conversation.
