Quebec launches new mobilization program for climate action | COP27

Quebec wants to encourage the participation of civil society through its Mobilization Strategy for Climate Action, an extension of other programs that have funded mobilization actions in the past.

According to Mr. Charette, the $46.4 million responds to frequent requests from groups contacted by the department. This is an increased amount compared to previous programs, he said.

For example, he specifically cites media specializing in Climate Action Unpointsync and Barometer of Climate Action, which have benefited from government funding.

Since 2016, around $35 million has been granted to 84 projects to fight climate change under the Action-Climate Quebec program, including Agrilimat to help farms adapt to climate change, Mouvement VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE, which promotes an environment conducive to cycling, to connected meets. In addition to electric cars, dozens of local projects will be promoted.

The new envelope of $46.4 million will be spread over the next five years.

If the demand is significant, this is something we want to encourage, so it is always possible to consider renewed funding if the amounts run out sooner than expected.said Mr. Charette in an interview with The Canadian Press.

Interested groups will be able to present their mobilization programs during calls for projects to be evaluated by the Ministry.

Calling everyone

All groups are invited to participate, the minister noted. However, the government specifically wants to support local communities in their climate actions.

As part of the preparation of the Green Economy Plan, indigenous communities were consulted and promised initiatives that would directly impact their communities.Mr. Charette pointed out.

The Green Economy Plan is a framework policy for electrification and the fight against climate change that was unveiled two years ago. The goal is to have a low carbon and resilient society by 2030.

Organizations providing training to the general public are also encouraged to participate.

“Initiatives and opportunities are many and many,” the minister added, citing an example of training in waste management given by a company.

An additional tool that municipalities want to encourage their residents to take action together. For example, A municipality [voulant] Along with a group of citizens to help mobilize neighbors to achieve a specific goal May be eligible for funding under the Mobilization Strategy for Climate Action.

He recalled that municipalities have other programs available to combat climate change.

For local climate change (TCL), a $200 million fund will be available from early 2023 [que les municipalités mettent] Plans are made to fight against climate changeMr. Charette explains.

During the election campaign, Quebec mayors demanded $2 billion a year to adapt their infrastructure to climate change.

The minister is at the 27th meeting of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt until Wednesday. There were also a hundred Quebecers.

On Sunday, an afternoon meeting was organized with representatives of civil society and more than thirty organizations. Later, the minister will meet with the members of the financial delegation.