quÉbec and climate change a challenge for the future/67531/metadc... · greenhouse gas emissions...

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JUNE 2008

2006–2012 ACTION PLAN

QUÉBEC AND CLIMATE CHANGEA Challenge for the Future

For further information, please contact theinformation centre of the Ministère du Développementdurable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs.

Telephone: 418 521-3830Toll-free: 1 800 561-1616Fax: 418 646-5974E-mail: [email protected]: www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca

Legal depositBibliothèque nationale du Québec, 2008Translated by Robert Davies

ISBN: 978-2-550-53861-5 (Print version)978-2-550-53862-2 (PDF)

© Gouvernement du Québec, 2008

Photo : Pierre Gignac, © Le Québec en images, CCDMD

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Climate change will have significant impacts on oursocieties and the ecosystems in which we live. Stateswill be forced to ensure that their economies emit lesscarbon as they face growing international competition.From this perspective, states and societies that succeedin moving to the new emerging economy will be moreable to fully participate in mitigating climate changewhile maintaining prosperity. Québec is determinedto respond to the many challenges generated by suchchange and it will do so by developing in asustainable manner.

In June 2006, Québec confirmed its leadershipambitions in the area of continent-wide sustainabledevelopment when it released its 2006-2012 ActionPlan on climate change. Today, we move forward in thisdirection by adding funds and measures to the ActionPlan, ensuring that Québec will contribute to theobjectives of the Kyoto Protocol.

Through this revised Action Plan that follows TheSustainable Development Act, The Québec EnergyStrategy 2006-2015 and The Québec Public TransitPolicy, the government means to build a Québec that isconcerned about both the welfare of currentgenerations and the development of the generationsto come.

An exemplary contribution

Québec can already be proud of leading the way inCanada with respect to per-capita greenhouse gasemissions. This achievement is founded on the excellentperformance of our manufacturing sector, a moreintensive utilisation of public transit, a motor vehiclefleet that consumes less energy and by thepreponderance of clean and renewable energy fromsources such as hydroelectricity and wind turbines inQuébec’s energy profile.

Every single Quebecer can be proud of the exemplarycontribution Québec has made towards making ourplanet greener both today and for future generationsby setting our sights on the goal ofsustainable development.

Climate change is incontestably the greatestenvironmental challenge Earth has ever faced. Toovercome it, we all need to do our share, and this ideatruly forms the basis of our ambitious Action Plan thathas been called the most ambitious in North America bymany environmental groups and that has inspired otherstates and provinces to join in this collective effort.

En route to the future

Entitled Québec and Climate Change – A Challenge forthe Future, this Action Plan clearly describes thebehavioural changes that will be necessary to ensureprosperity for present and future generations. It callsupon Québec society as a whole to respond, becausethis issue is of concern as much to individual citizens asto organizations and enterprises. The success of ourefforts is contingent on our common actions, and I haveconfidence in our ability to rise to the occasion.

The Premier of Québec,

Jean Charest

A MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER

In June 2006, Québec for the first time adopted anAction Plan on climate change that set ambitious goalsand made available the means to materialize them. Thedevelopment of this far-reaching Action Plan took placeunder the leadership of then Minister of SustainableDevelopment, Environment and Parks, Claude Béchard.

Québec in the forefront

The 2006-2012 Climate Change Action Plan: Québecand Climate Change marked an important step in theaction undertaken by our government towards buildinga society in which sustainable development is at theheart of our priorities and collective choices.Government is now moving forward on this path byimproving its Action Plan with new measures andadditional funding. The revised Action Plan will allowQuébec to remain a North American leader in the fightagainst climate change.

Precise targets and clearly defined means

The Action Plan includes precise targets and sets out theinitiatives that will achieve them. Between today and2012, we want Québec to succeed in reducing itsgreenhouse gas emissions to 6% below 1990 levels.The Government of Québec Action Plan anticipatesreducing GHG emissions by 14.6 megatons by 2012;it is one component of a series of factors that willdetermine average emission levels achieved by Québecbetween 2008 and 2012.

In addition to our government’s efforts, contributionswill be made by the federal government, industry andmunicipalities. Together, these efforts and themobilization of the citizenry will help Québec meetthe goals of the Kyoto Protocol.

The implementation of the Action Plan can count onoverall resources of 1.55 billion dollars over six years, oran average of 250 million dollars each year. Theseamounts come mainly from gasoline and fossil fuel dutyand represent a first in North America. Québec premierJean Charest has obtained an additional 350 milliondollar federal contribution from the Trust fund for cleanair and climate change. Québec now has the means toimplement the Action Plan, which in conjunction withthe new Québec Energy Strategy and The Québec PublicTransit Policy that were unveiled in 2006 make up thesolid structural basis for moving forward withsustainable development.

Action is urgently needed

While some may be tempted to abandon the fight dueto the enormity of the challenge, we believe to thecontrary that concrete measures must be taken rightnow while establishing a solid foundation for long-termaction. Quebecers can all count on their government toencourage and support their efforts. Québec needs tomarshal its forces immediately and act to ensure thatthe generations of today and tomorrow succeed inovercoming one of the greatest environmentalchallenges of all time.

Minister for Sustainable Development,Environment and Parks,

Line Beauchamp

A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

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QUÉBEC AND CLIMATE CHANGEA CHALLENGE FOR THE FUTURE

The 2006-2012 Québec Action Plan on ClimateChange, unveiled in June 2006, now benefits fromadditional funding that has made it possible to improveon its measures. This report is an update of the plan.

NOTICE TO READER

A MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

1. QUÉBEC’S CONTRIBUTION TO MEETING A GLOBAL CHALLENGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

1.1 CLIMATE CHANGE: THE GREATEST ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE FACED BY OUR PLANET . . . .8

1.1.1 Impacts of concern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

1.1.2 Limiting global warming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

1.1.3 Protecting public security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

1.2 THE KYOTO PROTOCOL: A NECESSARY FIRST STEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

1.3 QUÉBEC'S GHG EMISSIONS: AN EXEMPLARY CONTRIBUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

1.4 QUÉBEC IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

1.4.1 Reducing or avoiding GHG emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

1.4.2 Adaptation to climate change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

2. ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BETWEEN 2006 AND 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

2.1 SECTORAL ACTIONS TO REDUCE OR AVOID GHG EMISSIONS IN QUÉBEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

2.1.1 Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

2.1.2 Transportation and the municipal world . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

2.1.3 Québec's industrial sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

2.1.4 Residual materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

2.1.5 Agriculture and biomass valorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

2.1.6 Government leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

2.1.7 Public awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

2.1.8 Research, development and technology deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

2.1.9 Recourse to climate change economic instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

2.2 THE ACTION PLAN'S IMPACT ON QUÉBEC'S GHG EMISSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

2.3 ACTIONS TARGETING QUÉBEC'S ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

2.3.1 Health and public security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

2.3.2 The environment, natural resources and the territory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

3. THE ACTION PLAN’S ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

4. CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE REQUIRES US TOOVERCOME IMMENSE CHALLENGES IF WE WANT TO LIVEIN A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT, BREATHE CLEAN AIR ANDENSURE THAT OUR CHILDREN INHERIT THIS SAME RIGHT.IMPLEMENTING THE KYOTO PROTOCOL IMPOSESDISCIPLINE AND PERSEVERANCE ON US IF WE WANT TOACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVES. WE ARE BOTH INDIVIDUALLYAND COLLECTIVELY PART OF THIS FIGHT THAT MUST BEWON TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT CURRENT AND FUTUREGENERATIONS ENJOY A GOOD QUALITY OF LIFE.

THIS FIGHT DEMANDS IMMEDIATE, CONCERTED ACTION.EVERY ONE OF OUR ACTS MAKES A DIFFERENCE INENSURING THAT WE CAN ACHIEVE THE QUALITY OF LIFEWE ASPIRE TO, SAFEGUARD OUR ECOSYSTEMS, PROTECTOUR INFRASTRUCTURES AND KEEP OUR ECONOMYCOMPETITIVE. THIS RESPONSIBILITY FALLS NOT ONLY TOHEADS OF STATE AND THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY, BUTALSO TO EVERY INDIVIDUAL, INSTITUTIONS ANDENTERPRISES THAT TOGETHER MAKE UP OUR SOCIETY.

QUÉBEC ALREADY SHOWS EXEMPLARY BEHAVIOUR INTHE AREA OF LIMITING GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG)EMISSIONS, THANKS IN LARGE PART TO ITS MASSIVEINVESTMENT IN THE PRODUCTION OF CLEAN ENERGY INTHE FORM OF ELECTRICITY. THE REVISED 2006–2012ACTION PLAN ALLOWS QUÉBEC TO RESOLUTELYMAINTAIN ITS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIPIN CANADA AND THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA BYPROVIDING THE MEANS TO REDUCE ITS GHG EMISSIONSAND ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE.

1.QUÉBEC’S CONTRIBUTIONTO MEETING A GLOBALCHALLENGE

1.1.1 Impacts of concern

According to the best estimates of the Fourth Report of the IntergovernmentalPanel on Climate Change (IPCC)1 published in 2007, average air temperaturenear the surface of Earth will increase from 1.8 to 4 degrees Celsius betweennow and 2100 across the planet. The warming effect will be at its maximum inthe centre of landmasses and at the highest North American latitudes in winter.We will witness increased precipitations at high latitudes and increased frequencyor intensity of extreme meteorological phenomena such as heat waves, torrentialrain and drought. Average levels and acidity of oceans are also expected to rise,while snow and sea ice cover will shrink in both hemispheres.

Québec can expect warming throughout its territory with accentuation in theNorth and in winter. Some scientists predict that the Arctic Ocean will be free ofice in summer within a few years. Greater variation in precipitation patterns canalso be anticipated over the entire territory and periods of crushing heat,drought, intense rain and winter warming may become more frequent.Extra-tropical storm trajectories will extend further north and may strike someregions of Québec, a phenomenon that has already been seen in the 20th century.Finally, the expected rise in average ocean levels may aggravate the problem ofcoastal erosion.

Average temperatures already rose in the western and central parts of southernQuébec by 0.75 to 1.25 degrees Celsius between 1960 and 2003. To the east,the rate of warming was less sustained with an average of less than 0.75 °Cduring the same period. In the North, the significant rise in temperature that hasbeen observed since the 1990s has led to permafrost thaw that in turn threatensthe traditional lifestyle of Aboriginals, population security and the integrity ofinfrastructures.

1.1 CLIMATE CHANGE: THE GREATESTENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE EVER FACEDBY OUR PLANET

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1 Working group created jointly in 1988 by the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization.

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1.1.2 Limiting global warming

According the 4th report of the IPCC, warming in excessof approximately 2 °Celsius throughout the planetcompared to average 1980-1999 temperatures wouldhave devastating effects on various systems andactivities. What’s more, certain ecosystems such as thetundra and the boreal forest and regions such as theArctic have been acknowledged as being particularlyvulnerable. These conclusions are very worrisome forQuébec, which according to the projections will suffer amore accentuated warming than the one feared by theIPCC on a global scale, somewhere between 1.8 °C(optimistic scenario) and 4 °C (pessimistic scenario).

Since the beginning of this century, many governmentshave taken measures to reduce GHG emissions in orderto avoid planet warming rising beyond 2 °C globally.Québec is highly favourable to such initiatives. However,given its northern location, the 2 °C threshold is alreadytoo high to halt major disturbances on its territory. It hasbecome vital for us to use all available means to helplimit climate warming as much as possible.

1.1.3 Protecting public security

Climate change threatens the safety of our citizens andthe integrity of various infrastructures and buildings,especially in northern and coastal areas. It also threatensto erode and deteriorate our abundant natural resourcesand render ecosystems more fragile. Since anticipatedKyoto Protocol emission reductions will not suffice tosufficiently slow climate change, we in Québec have nochoice but to put efficient adaptive measures in place.

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UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITY ON THE GREENHOUSE EFFECTCertain naturally present gases in our atmosphere help retain the sun’s heat near the surface of Earth. Theyare known as “greenhouse gases” or GHGs. Without their presence, the average temperature in the lowerlevels of the atmosphere would be approximately -18 °C instead of +15 °C, and life as we know it would beimpossible. The so-called “greenhouse effect” is thus a very natural phenomenon and constitutes a majorpart of Earth’s climate system.

However, over the course of the last 200 years, human activity has caused an increase in GHG emissions intothe atmosphere with a resulting retention of a greater amount of energy near to Earth’s surface anddisturbance to our planet’s system of climate equilibrium.

The main GHG given off by human activity is carbon dioxide (CO2). However, we also need to take intoaccount methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and gases that were created by humans like hydrofluorocarbons,tetrafluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride.

Climate change affects every country and every state on our planet. What’s more,confronting it requires concrete measures on international, national, regional,local and individual levels. The Kyoto Protocol has currently been ratified by181 countries, including Canada. However, it is worth noting that manycountries, including China and India, have not set restrictive reduction targets,which means that they have no quantitative commitments to lower GHGemissions. In addition, the United States, which is the second-largest GHGemitter, never ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Canada, for its part, ratified the KyotoProtocol in 2002 and committed to an average GHG emission reduction of6% below 1990 levels over the 2008-2012 period.

Since 1998, Québec has consistently been a strong supporter of theimplementation of the Kyoto Protocol in Canada. To this effect, on November 28,2006, the Assemblée nationale du Québec unanimously passed a motionapproving the Kyoto Protocol. On December 5, 2007, the Government of Québecaffirmed by decree that it was bound to the protocol and committed toimplementing the protocol in its areas of jurisdiction, according to the terms of its2006-2012 Action Plan on Climate Change.

Québec has also on many occasions called on the federal government to honourits Kyoto Protocol undertakings, notably through unanimously approvedresolutions of the Assemblée Nationale du Québec, including the one passed onNovember 28, 2007.

Moreover, in the New England Governors/Eastern Canadian Premiers ClimateChange Action Plan 2001, the Government of Québec committed to increasedregional, national, and international collaboration in order to stabilize regionalGHG emissions at 1990 levels by 2010 and lower them to 10% below 1990levels by 2020.

Québec has also created new partnerships that will provide a betterunderstanding of the phenomenon of planet warming and implement sustainableshort, medium and long-term solutions in the fight against climate change. Thisis the context in which Québec in 2007 joined the Climate Group, aninternational organization dedicated to the promotion of Federated State andlarge multinational corporation action in the area of climate change. During thesame year, Québec also became a member of the Climate Registry. More than40 U.S., Mexican and Canadian States belong to the registry that eventuallyaims to become a component of a North American GHG emissions cap andtrade market.

1.2 THE KYOTO PROTOCOL:A NECESSARY FIRST STEP

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THE UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE (UNFCCC)Adopted in 1992, the UNFCCC sets up a global framework to tackle the challenge of climate change. Theconvention, to which 189 countries adhere, requires governments to inventory their GHG emissions, initiatenational strategies to lower them and cooperate to prepare to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The ultimate goal of the convention is to stabilize atmospheric GHG concentrations at a level that willprevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Some forty industrialized countriesincluding Canada and the United States have signed on and committed to bring their 2000 GHG emissionsback to 1990 levels.

THE KYOTO PROTOCOLAt the time when governments adopted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change theywere already aware of the fact that this undertaking would not be enough to slow climate warming. This iswhy they adopted the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 as an appendix to the Convention.

The Protocol shares the objectives of the Convention, while going further by spurring industrialized nationsto commit to individual, legally binding objectives for reducing or limiting GHG emissions. The average goalto which the industrialized nations subscribed is to lower emissions to 5.2% beneath their 1990 level duringthe 2008-2012 period. Reduction targets vary from one country to another according to the principle ofshared but differentiated responsibilities.

In April 2008, Québec became a member of theWestern Climate Initiative (WCI), which is a grouping ofNorth American states working together to implementa GHG emission cap and trade system for certaineconomic sectors that are heavy GHG emitters.

In June 2008, Québec, in conjunction with Ontario, alsolaunched the Provincial and Territorial Greenhouse GasCap and Trade Initiative that will work to develop andimplement a GHG cap and trade system, probably by2010. This system will be set up in tandem with otherregional plans currently under development, includingthe WCI project.

In absolute terms, Canada and Québec are hardly the most significant GHGemitters, internationally speaking, since they represent respectively only 2% and0.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, Canada has one of thehighest per-capita emission rates in the world. This is why it is imperative to actwithout delay to reverse this trend and lead by example. With respect to GHGemissions, Québec had the best per-capita 20052 profile in Canada. Statisticsconfirm that per-capita Québec emissions amounted to 12.1 tons ofequivalent CO2 (eq. t. CO2) on average, compared to 23.1 tons for the wholeof Canada. If Québec figures are excluded, the Canadian per-capita averagewould rise to 26.5 tons of equivalent CO2, and exceed the U.S. per-capitaaverage of 24.6 tons. In 2005, Québec produced 92 million tons (92 Mt) of GHG,a 5.2% increase over 1990. However, between 2003 and 2005, Québecemissions dropped by 2%, while overall Canadian emissions continued to rise,reaching 734 megatons of GHG.

Québec’s performance level stems largely from the fact that in the past,Québecers decided to invest in a clean and renewable source of energy:hydroelectricity. Within Québec, electrical production accounts for only 1.6% ofemissions and is thus our smallest source of GHG emissions while this sectorremains in third place within Canada.

1.3 QUÉBEC’S GHG EMISSIONS:AN EXEMPLARY CONTRIBUTION

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2005 PER-CAPITA GHG EMISSIONS BY PROVINCE / TERRITORY ANDIN CANADA

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The excellent performance of the manufacturingsector has significantly contributed to Québec’spositive GHG balance sheet. In fact, between 1990and 2005, this sector lowered its overall emissions by8.5% and its industrial process emissions by 14.3%.These gains stem from the strategic investments madeby Québec enterprises in innovative technology thatallowed them to improve their processes and theirenergy efficiency. Today, many of these enterprises areleaders in their field because they have improved theircompetitiveness while substantially reducing theirGHG emissions.

Québec also stands out on our continent in the areaof transportation. Its motor vehicle fleet is one of thebest performers in Canada in terms of energyefficiency and Montréal remains one of the NorthAmerican cities with the highest rates of use ofpublic transit.

This enviable performance also means of course thatfurther GHG emission reductions are a greaterchallenge for Québec than for the rest of Canada,because we have come so far already. Nevertheless,we need to pursue our efforts to reduce Québec GHGemissions; the magnitude of the climate changechallenge necessitates contributions by everyone,throughout the world.

BREAKDOWN OF GHG EMISSIONS BY SECTOR OF ACTIVITYIN QUÉBEC IN 2005

1,6%Electricity7,5%

Waste

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38,7%Transport

8,3%Agriculture

13,1%Residential,commercial andinstitutionnal

Transportation and buildings are the two main sectors responsible for the growthin Québec emissions between 1990 and 2005. The plan aims principally atreversing the upward trend in these two sectors through undertakings that willallow the Québec economy to improve its competitiveness overall and wean itselfoff fossil fuel dependency. The revised 2006-2012 Action Plan aims to avoid andreduce Québec GHG emissions by 14.6Mt or 6% below 19903 levels by 2012,as the following graphic illustrates.

This document presents measures to be accomplished between now and the endof 2012 as defined by two main goals:

1. Reducing or avoiding GHG emissions

2. Adapting to climate change.

1.4QUÉBEC IN THE FIGHTAGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

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3 Business as usual (BAU) predicts Québec GHG emissions of 96.9 megatons in 2012.

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1.4.1 Reducing or avoidingGHG emissions

Over the course of the coming years, Québec will needto reduce its GHG emissions while maintaining a strong,sustainable economy, and profit as much as possiblefrom new business opportunities related to thechallenge of climate change. In a world where the costof fossil fuel energy has increased greatly in the last fewyears, energy efficiency is not only advisable, it is anessential component of the competitiveness of ourenterprises and of Québec’s economy as a whole.

Energy also plays a major role in Québec’s economy,allowing for wealth creation, stimulating investment andemployment, generating tax revenues and contributingto the financial well-being and competitiveness of ourenterprises. In fact, Quebecers’ high standard of living isin part attributable to the excellent performance of ourenergy sector. The measures included in this Action Planare thus complementary to those flowing from theQuébec Energy Strategy.

Actions aimed at reducing GHG emissions mainlyconcern the energy, transportation, municipal, industrial,residual materials, agricultural and government activitysectors. Actions with respect to technologicaldevelopment (R&D) and public awareness will also leadto reductions in GHG emissions.

1.4.2 Adapting to climate change

Adaptive measures are grouped into health and publicsecurity, monitoring network, infrastructure in at-riskenvironments, forests and water and air managementcomponents. They will allow for the protection of thepopulation, and the monitoring and protection of theenvironment, thus diminishing our vulnerability to theimpact of climate change in certain sectors.

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15AVOIDED EMISSIONSThe fight against climate change necessitates among other things the avoidance of new GHG emissionsstemming from the production of electricity, heating buildings and industrial processes. In Canada, avoidedemissions are calculated on the basis of equivalent energy produced by a natural gas combined-cycle gasturbine power plant (the most efficient type of fossil fuel thermal power plant) that generates an average of350 CO2 equivalent tons per gigawatt hour (GWh).

THE ACTION PLAN IS COMPOSED OF 26 MEASURES THATREVOLVE AROUND TWO MAIN OBJECTIVES: REDUCING ORAVOIDING GHG EMISSIONS AND ADAPTING TO CLIMATECHANGE. ACTIONS INTENDED TO REDUCE GHG EMISSIONSCONCERN THE ENERGY, TRANSPORTATION, MUNICIPAL,INDUSTRIAL, RESIDUAL MATERIALS, AGRICULTURE ANDGOVERNMENT ACTIVITY SECTORS. THEY ALSO HAVEPUBLIC AWARENESS COMPONENTS AND SUPPORTTECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION. MEASURES IN THEAREA OF ADAPTATION INVOLVE HEALTH AND PUBLICSECURITY, THE ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE TERRITORY.

THE ACTIONS PRESENTED HERE WILL ALLOW QUÉBEC TO REDUCE ITS GHG EMISSIONS BY 14.6 MEGATONS OF EQUIVALENT CO2 AND BRING ITS EMISSIONS TO82.5 MEGATONS OF EQUIVALENT CO2 BY 2012, WHICH IS6% BELOW THE 1990 LEVEL. THIS CHALLENGE CAN BEMET IF ALL OF SOCIETY’S PLAYERS MOBILIZE TO ACTRIGHT AWAY.

FOR EACH SECTOR, THE GOVERNMENT PRESENTS ASTATUS REPORT THEN REVEALS THE MEASURES(CONTAINED IN THE APPENDIX) THAT IT INTENDS TOIMPLEMENT BY 2012.

THE ACTION PLAN FLOWS FROM FOUR MASTERPRINCIPLES:

• QUEBEC’S TAKING RESPONSIBILITY IN ITSCONSTITUTIONAL AREAS OF JURISDICTION

• ECONOMIC EFFICACY TO PRESERVE THECOMPETITIVENESS OF QUÉBEC ENTERPRISES

• INTERVENTION COMPLEMENTARITIES TO MAXIMIZEPOSITIVE EFFECTS

• COMMITMENT OF ALL PLAYERS IN QUÉBEC SOCIETY:ORDINARY CITIZENS, ENTERPRISES, MUNICIPALITIESAND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.

THE ACTIONS LAID OUT IN THIS PLAN TARGET QUÉBEC’SJURISDICTIONAL DOMAINS, I.E. ENERGY PRODUCTION,TRANSPORT AND DISTRIBUTION, ROAD TRANSPORTATION,MUNICIPALITIES, LANDFILL MANAGEMENT, AGRICULTURE,HEALTH, CIVIL PROTECTION, THE ENVIRONMENT, NATURALRESOURCES AND TERRITORIAL PLANNING.

QUÉBEC WILL ALSO SPUR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENTTO ACT IN ITS OWN AREAS IN WAYS THAT ARECOMPLEMENTARY TO THIS ACTION PLAN.

2.ACTIONS TO BETAKEN BETWEEN2006 AND 2012

2.1.1 Energy

For more than 50 years, Québec has stood out by its know-how in the energyfield through the development of its hydric resources. In 2005, the production ofelectricity in Québec generated considerably less GHG (1.6% of total emissions)than in Canada as a whole (17.4% of total emissions) where coal, oil and naturalgas remain the principal energy sources. This situation can be explained by thefact that 96% of Québec’s available electrical power comes from renewablesources. This proportion is one of the highest in the world and one of whichQuébec can be justly proud. However, this situation also means that it will bethat much more difficult for Québec to reduce its GHG emissions.

In the light of its success, Québec intends to pursue the development of itshydroelectric potential, but also wishes to invest in new forms of renewableenergy, and especially in wind energy, while underlining the need to loweringelectrical consumption in all sectors of economic activity.

In 2005, hydrocarbon and coal GHG emissions in Québec amounted to66.0 megatons or 71.7% of total GHG emissions. The transportation sectorwas responsible for 53.9% of this volume, while mining and manufacturingaccounted for 19.3%, residential, commercial and institutional sub-sectors,18.2% and energy distribution, transport and production, 7.7%.

In May 2006, the Government of Québec unveiled its energy strategy, entitledUsing Energy to Build the Québec of Tomorrow. This strategy foresees newdevelopments in renewable energy (hydroelectricity, wind energy and biomass)and seeks a more efficient utilisation of all forms of energy.

HydroelectricityHydroelectricity is a clean and renewable climate-friendly energy source. Between2006 and 2012, numerous major hydroelectric projects with a combined powerof 1,895 MW will be placed into service. At term, these projects will allow forannual GHG emission savings of nearly 3 megatons.

Additionally, the Government of Québec plans to compile a 4,500 MW portfolioof further hydroelectric projects by 2010. The environmental evaluation processfor the 1,500 MW Romaine complex has in fact already begun. At term, theseprojects will provide savings of nearly 8 megatons of GHG each year.

2.1SECTORIAL ACTIONS TO REDUCE ORAVOID GHG EMISSIONS IN QUÉBEC

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Wind energy

Moreover, in order to take advantage of windenergy/hydroelectricity complementarities, thegovernment has committed to the development of4,000 MW of wind-generated electricity by 2015. Thedevelopment of the first 3,000 MW was begun in 2003through two public tenders. In the initial 1,000 MW callfor tenders, 8 projects were selected for a total of990 MW of power coming on line by 2012.Projects selected in the second call for tenders totalling2 000 MW were announced in May 2008. In the springof 2008, the government also announced two newpublic tenders of 250 MW each, reserved for RegionalMunicipal Counties (RMCs) and Aboriginal nations inpartnership with the private sector. The development ofthis energy network will require nearly 6.5 billion dollarsin investment over ten years and create 2,000 jobs whilesaving 2.9 Mt of GHG emissions annually. In addition,beyond 2015, and in keeping with technologicalprogress in this field, the government will act toensure that wind energy equivalent to 10% of newcapacity will be developed for each added block ofhydroelectric power.

In addition, a wind-diesel project will be developed inNunavik along and wind-diesel systems implementedthroughout autonomous networks that are notconnected to the Hydro-Québec power grid. Therequired studies and technical measurements at twoNunavik sites are currently being completed and serviceis planned to begin in 2012. Hydro-Québec Distribution(HQD) is also working in collaboration with theÎles-de-la-Madeleine community council to prepare awind-diesel pairing project on the territory presentlyserved by the Cap-aux-Meules thermal power station.

BiomassWith its vast forests, dynamic agriculture and manymunicipalities, Québec enjoys a wealth of residualbiomass that is currently under-exploited. Thevalorization of this renewable biomass will not onlyproduce energy but will also help lower Québec’sdependence on petroleum products through theproduction of biofuel substitutes for fossil-based energyin industrial, residential, commercial and institutionalheating and in transportation. In the new energystrategy, the government favours the valorization ofresidual biomass energy and plans to call for an initial100 MW tender in 2008 as part of a total of 700 MWof biomass-generated energy.

Energy efficiencyIn addition to the production of renewable energy,Québec has also chosen the path of energy efficiency.It is a fact that Quebec consumes less energy per-capitathan Canada as a whole or the United States, but itnevertheless remains an important energy consumer.Seen on the Canadian scale, Québec’s energy choicescontribute to avoiding the emission of significantamounts of GHG..

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2012 AVOIDED GHG EMISSIONS,BY ENERGY CATEGORY

Energy Category

Hydroelectricity

Wind energy

Energy efficiency

2012 avoidedGHG emissions

3 megatons of equivalent CO2

2,9 megatons of equivalent CO2

3,0 megatons of equivalent CO2


By 2015, the energy strategy plans to generateadditional electricity equivalent to that produced byManic 5 without casting a single cubic metre ofconcrete or running a single drop of water through aturbine. The strategy sets three energy efficiencytargets. Firstly, with respect to natural gas, the strategyhas tripled objectives that will now rise from 96.9 millioncubic metres in 2008 to 350 million in 2015. Similarly,Hydro-Québec’s energy efficiency target moves from 4.1 terawatt hours by 2010 to 11 terawatt hours by2015, equivalent to the combined annual householdenergy consumption for Québec City, Laval andSherbrooke. Finally, for the first time, an energy savingstarget has been adopted in the petroleum productssector on the order of 2 megatons of oil equivalent by2015, which equals 13.5 million barrels of oil or slightlymore than 10% of Québec’s annual consumption ofpetroleum products.

The government is going forward with an innovativemaster plan that covers all markets and all forms ofenergy, accompanied by the means to achieve the plan’sgoals. The Agence de l’efficacité énergétique began itshearings in April 2008 and should be in a position tomake its final plan public before the end of the year.

In all, GHG emissions avoided through across-the-boardenergy efficiency in all sectors of electricity and naturalgas will equal some three megatons in 2012.

MEASURE 1: IMPLEMENT A FINANCING PROGRAM AIMEDAT ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR INDIVIDUALS, INDUSTRIES,INSTITUTIONS, COMPANIES AND MUNICIPALITIESIN QUÉBEC

Total potential reduction and avoidance: 990 kilotonsInvestment: 185 million dollars

Energy efficiency means reducing or avoiding therelease of substantial quantities of GHG into theatmosphere and simultaneously realizing significantsavings in the cost of energy. In spite of the advantages,some private individuals and company managershesitate to apply energy efficiency measures due toself-set profitability criteria.

The Government of Québec will prepare a program forfunding energy efficiency projects aimed at replacingwarm forced air heating systems and hot water tanksfor individuals, institutions, small, medium and largeindustries as well as stores and municipalities.

The government also intends to offer an interventionprogram aimed at improving cooling systems in themunicipal (arenas and curling rinks), commercial(supermarkets) and industrial (warehousing and foodindustry) sectors.

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THE AGENCE DE L’EFFICACITÉ ÉNERGÉTIQUEThe mission of the Agence de l’efficacité énergétique is, in a sustainable development perspective, to promoteenergy efficiency and the development of new energy technologies for all energy sources, in all activity sectors,for the benefit of the citizenry as a whole throughout Québec. The Agence is also mandated to prepare a globalenergy efficiency and new technology plan and to ensure its implementation and follow-up.


Finally, this measure will allow cross-sectorimplementation of a program targeting a reduction infuel oil consumption through energy efficiency measuresor converting equipment to cleaner alternatives such asnatural gas and biomass. This program will beaccompanied by a regulatory measure aimed attightening fuel oil sulphur level standards. Sulphurcontent will be lowered from 2% to 1.5% by weight,throughout Québec. Wherever natural gas is available,the norm will drop to 1%. This measure will also helpcombat acid rain.

MEASURE 2: AMEND QUÉBEC’S BUILDING CODE TOIMPROVE ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF NEW BUILDINGSAND HOMES BUILT IN QUÉBEC

Total potential reduction and avoidance: 50 kilotonsInvestment: zero

Current new building and home constructionregulations are more than 20 years old and manyprovisions are out-of-date. In order to update itsregulations, the Government of Québec will revise thecode to include new energy performance requirementsthat will apply to all new buildings and homesconstructed in Québec and cover building envelopes(insulation, airtightness, doors and windows) as well asmechanical and electrical systems (ventilation, airconditioning, heating, lighting, etc.).

Technical and economic studies will precisely determinethe new standards that will be based on the Novoclimatvoluntary norm for individual homes and multi-dwellerbuildings. By comparison, new standards for industrial,commercial and institutional buildings will aim forenergy performance levels equal or superior to those setby the federal government’s Commercial BuildingIncentive Program (CBIP) for New Buildings.

2.1.2 Transportation and themunicipal world

Within Québec, transportation is the economic sectorthat emits the greatest volume of GHG, and this figure isconstantly on the rise. Yet our motor vehicle fleet is oneof the best performers in Canada with respect to fuelconsumption. Moreover, Montréal is one of the cities inNorth America with the highest rate of use of publictransit. Numerous initiatives are currently in motionaimed at lowering GHG emissions in this sector.

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CO2 EMISSION FACTORS BY TYPEOF FOSSIL FUEL

Product CO2 emission coefficient

Propane

Natural Gas

Gasoline

Diésel

Light heating oil

Heavy heating oil

Anthracite coal

Canadian bituminous coal

American bituminous coal

Petroleum coke

1,500 g/l

1,891 g/m3

2,360 g/l

2,730 g/l

2,830 g/l

3,090 g/l

2,390 g/kg

2,249 g/kg

2,323 g/kg

3,190 g/kg


Since 2003, the Government of Québec has invested anaverage of 385 million dollars annually to assist infunding public transit. Thanks to a multiplicity of actionson the part of government and its partners, public transitusage has increased despite the high level of competitionfrom private automobiles. In the Montréal region,suburban train passenger use has doubled over the last10 years. New lines connecting Blainville to Saint-Jérômeand downtown Montréal to Repentigny and Mascouchewill allow these efforts to continue to move forward.

With the implementation of its Québec Public TransitPolicy (announced on June 16, 2006), the governmentwill accentuate financial assistance to public transit withthe goal of increasing traffic by 8% by 2012. To achievethis, the Ministère des Transports will increase aid forpublic transit infrastructure expenditures.

In its 2006-2007 budget, the government announced ameasure allowing employers to increase the taxdeduction on the cost of public transit passes furnishedto their employees from 100% to 200%. At the sametime, the government proposed a partial reimbursementof the Québec Sales Tax (QST) up to a maximum of$2,000 for purchasers of hybrid (gas/electricity) vehiclesthat consume 6 litres and less of gasoline per100 kilometres, and full reimbursement of the fuel taxcollected on biodiesel.

On October 11, 2007, the government announced theQuébec Infrastructures Plan. This plan will see two billiondollars invested in the maintenance and improvement ofinfrastructures and public transit systems over the nextfour years. An additional 500 million dollars, suppliedby the Société de financement des infrastructureslocales (SOFIL), will also be used to develop publictransit infrastructures.

Multimodal transport had a revival in 2005, particularlyin the maritime sector. As an example, the KrugerCorporation took the first step by choosing river bargetransport for moving wood chips from Forestville toTrois-Rivières. As for Aluminerie Alouette, it uses rivertransport to move 250,000 tons of aluminum betweenSept-Îles and Trois-Rivières. These two innovative projectswill save between 9,000 and 14,500 tons of GHGemissions each year. This form of transport seemsto offer an interesting GHG reduction and energyefficiency potential.

Moreover, a change in licensing fees that came intoforce on January 1, 2005 favours reduced vehiclepollutant and GHG emissions, with additional fees leviedon high displacement vehicles (engine volume in excessof four litres) that are reinvested in public transit.

An amendment to the Highway Safety Code was alsomade in December 2007 to authorize pilot project newvehicle or equipment (i.e. low speed electric vehicle)access to the road network.

Additionally, the Québec heavy vehicle inspection andmaintenance program came into effect on June 1, 2006.This program requires truckers to ensure that theirvehicles are well maintained and results in an annualreduction of 82,000 tons in GHG and harmful emissions(small particles, nitrous oxide and hydrocarbons).

Finally, municipalities play a key role in the fight againstclimate change since it is estimated that they are directlyor indirectly responsible for nearly half of Québec’s GHGemissions. Their proximity to citizens makes themfrontline players in efforts to reduce GHG emissions,particularly in the fields of transportation where urbanplanning is an important issue, and residual materials.Action undertaken by municipalities over the comingyears will determine their ability to adapt to the impactof climate change, whether in the areas of urban heatislands, coastline erosion or permafrost thaw.

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Since 2002, Québec City and Montréal have led the wayin the municipal world by undertaking to inventory GHGemissions on their territory and initiating concretemeasures in the fight against climate change. Morerecently, Laval and Sherbrooke have followed suit.

Finally, in May 2007, the government unveiled its newClimatsol program for soil decontamination. Thisprogram will encourage the incorporation into landdevelopment projects of measures that have a real andquantifiable impact on the reduction of building energyconsumption and GHG emissions. The program has atotal budget of 50 million dollars for the 2007-2010 timeframe. To be eligible, projects submitted to this programare required to include a building energy efficiencycomponent when proposing new construction oradd-ons to existing buildings. Projects must also includethe maintenance or creation of green spaces.

MEASURE 3: UTILIZE THE NECESSARY MECHANISMS TOREQUIRE MANUFACTURERS OF LIGHT-DUTY VEHICLESSOLD IN QUÉBEC TO MEET A GHG EMISSIONS STANDARDSTARTING IN 2010

Total potential reduction and avoidance: 1.7 megatonsInvestment: zero

In 2004, California set new GHG emission standards forlight vehicles that require automobile manufacturers tomarket vehicles that meet annually determined GHGemission ceilings. Between 2009 and 2016, the Californiastandard will lead to a 25 to 30% drop in GHG emissionsfor new vehicles placed into service. Twelve otherAmerican states including New York and much ofNew England have since followed California’s lead.A number of Midwest American states have alsoannounced similar intentions.

The Government of Québec intends to use themechanisms at its disposal to ensure that vehicles sold onits territory comply with more demanding standards ofGHG reduction and energy consumption. Québec is thefirst Canadian province to have announced its intentionto adopt such standards and intends to harmonize themwith the California standards for limiting motor vehicleGHG emissions. The implementation of this measure willbe concurrent with the California steps.

MEASURE 4: AIM TO HAVE GASOLINE DISTRIBUTORSINCLUDE A MINIMUM OF 5% ETHANOL IN THEIR TOTALFUEL SALES BY 2012


Using ethanol as a replacement fuel allows for GHGemission reduction in the transportation sector. In orderto facilitate access to this fuel, the Government ofQuébec wants gasoline distributors to include at least a5% ethanol content in their overall Québec fuel sales by2012. This measure will provide a 300 million litre savingsin fossil fuel consumption.

It should be stated that the Government of Québec isfocussing on local cellulosic ethanol production fromforest biomass, agricultural residues and residualmaterials, not corn. Production of this type of ethanol istechnologically more demanding but it has the advantageof being more environmentally profitable for Québec.

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MEASURE 5: SUPPORT MUNICIPALITIES TAKING GHGEMISSION INVENTORIES AND ACTION ON CLIMATECHANGE AND IN ADOPTING REGULATIONS TO OFFSET THEEFFECTS OF IDLING MOTORS

Total potential reduction and avoidance: 460 kilotonsInvestment: 14.2 million dollars

The Government of Québec intends to offer financialsupport for municipal organizations (municipalities,RMCs, inter-municipal bodies, etc.) that seek to prepareinventories of their GHG emissions and plans forcombating climate change. Municipal organizations thatare already in possession of their inventories and ActionPlans will be able to prepare a plan for adapting to theimpact of climate change.

The Government of Québec will also offer financialsupport to municipalities that have passed or intend topass regulations targeting needless vehicle idling. Idlingconsists of keeping the motor of a parked vehicleturned on. When a motor idles for only ten minutes aday, it consumes on average 100 litres of fuel per yearand emits 254 kilograms of GHG annually as well asmany other atmospheric pollutants that are harmful tohuman health. When multiplied by the total Québecautomobile fleet of 4.2 million vehicles, these emissionsamount to significant quantities of GHG.

Several Québec municipalities including Montréal andQuébec City already regulate vehicle idling on theirterritory, and many other municipalities have alreadyshown an interest in adopting this kind of regulation.

MEASURE 6: ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OFPUBLIC TRANSIT


Québec has an important potential for GHG emissionreduction in the area of urban public transport.Public transit includes urban and inter-city public transit,school busses, adapted transit and rural transit.

The government will encourage the development andutilisation of public transit by financing bus lanes andadopting preferential measures. As part of this policy,the purchase of hybrid or electric buses, additionalsuburban trains and improvements to subwayinfrastructures could also benefit from governmentfinancial support.

MEASURE 7: ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OFTRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES


Many options exist outside of public transit that couldreduce the daily use of single passenger vehicles.Carpooling and active transportation such as bicyclingand walking are viable solutions for both individuals andcompanies, and these are solutions that the governmentwants to promote. For example, citizens that ride theirbike to work also improve their physical condition. Theyemit no atmospheric pollutants or GHG and in addition,help reduce urban smog and noise pollution. In order tosuccessfully promote this mode of alternativetransportation, it is essential to develop networks ofsafe bicycle lanes that run from residentialneighbourhoods to employment centres like downtownareas, industrial parks, shopping centres, educationalinstitutions, etc.

As well, carpooling reduces the cost of moving peoplewhile decreasing urban congestion and associatedGHG emissions.

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The government intends to set up a program to fundinfrastructure projects that favour the utilisation of thesealternative modes of transportation.

MEASURE 8: ENCOURAGE IMPLEMENTATION OF MULTI-MODAL PROJECTS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OFMERCHANDISE


The transport of goods is essential to the growth of oureconomy. Québec is already blessed with well-developedrail and water transport networks. As a rule, thesemodes of transport are less intensive emitters of GHGthan trucks. In point of fact, cabotage and rail transportrespectively emit 10 and 18 grams of GHG perton/kilometre while trucks produce 96 grams. Withinthis context, the government intends to financiallysupport inter-modal projects so as to help develop abetter balance between various modes of transport inQuébec’s existing system and lead to significantreductions in GHG emissions.

MEASURE 9: IMPLEMENT A SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR THEMARKETING OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS INENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE TRANSPORT OF MERCHANDISE

Total potential reduction and avoidance: 1.05 megatonsInvestment: 45 million dollars

Between 1990 and 2005, GHG emissions from heavyvehicles increased by 84% due to growth in demand forthis type of transport. In order to reduce GHG emissionsin this sector it will be necessary to take full advantageof technological innovations that make transportmore efficient and by the same token improve itseconomic competitiveness.

Through this action, the government will financiallysupport the introduction of new energy-efficient andGHG-reducing technologies by trucking firms. Thefinancial assistance program will facilitate the acquisitionof equipment that improves vehicle aerodynamics andfleet energy efficiency, such as back-up electricalsystems (on-board generators), back-up heating and airconditioning systems, management systems andon-board computers.

As for marine and rail transport, the governmentwill foster investment in technological and technicalimprovements to raise ship and locomotiveenergy efficiency.

The program will also make it possible to financeresearch or pilot projects that show potential inregard to reducing GHG emissions in the transportof merchandise. A

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MEASURE 10: ADOPT A REGULATION REQUIRINGMANDATORY USE OF SPEED LIMITING DEVICES ON ALLTRUCKS AND SETTING THE MAXIMUM SPEED FOR THESEVEHICLES AT 105 KM/HR


A speed limiter is an integrated circuit that allows forregulating maximum vehicle speed. Most trucks builtduring the last decade are equipped with thistechnology. The regulation is to target all heavy vehiclesregistered in Québec.

Thanks to this action, it will be possible to realize fuelsavings on the order of 10,500 litres per truck (tractorand semi-trailer), which will translate into additionalannual savings of $8,000 in per-vehicle fuelconsumption calculated on the basis of average annualusage of 200,000 km.

2.1.3 Québec’s industrial sector

Overall, Québec’s industrial sector reduced its GHGemissions by 8.5% between 1990 and 2005. However,it still remains responsible for nearly 31% of our GHGemissions, the main emitting industries beingaluminium, pulp and paper, petroleum refining,metallurgy, cement, lime and chemical products. It isthus essential to induce these enterprises to pursue theirefforts in the area of GHG emission reductions.

In the 2000-2003 Action Plan, the Government ofQuébec adopted a voluntary approach for certainindustrial emitters. In 2002, for example, it signed aframework agreement with the Aluminum Associationof Canada as well as private agreements with Alcoa,Alcan and Aluminerie Alouette. These agreementsalone have led to GHG emission reductions of some550,000 tons of equivalent CO2 per year.

Moreover, in order to consolidate its knowledge ofindustrial sector emissions, the government adopted aregulation in November 2007 requiring principalemitters to declare their emissions of GHG and other aircontaminants on an annual basis.

MEASURE 11: REDUCE GHG EMISSIONS IN QUÉBEC’SINDUSTRIAL SECTOR


In the Action Plan unveiled in 2006, the governmentintended to continue pursuing voluntary agreementswith all industrial sectors in the light of the success thisapproach had achieved since 2002. However, thedecision was revised following the publication of theApril 2007 federal Regulatory Framework for AirEmissions which does not meet Québec’s needs, and theemergence of North American regional GHG emissioncap and trade systems.

In this context, the Government of Québec chose aregulatory GHG emission cap and trade approach toattaining Québec’s industrial sector reduction goal whileallowing targeted enterprises to comply at the lowestcost. This is the perspective in which Québec joined theWestern Climate Initiative (WCI) in April 2008. Thisgrouping of U.S. states and Canadian provinces has asits main goal the development and implementation of aGHG emission cap and trade system.

To that end, Québec and Ontario signed the Provincialand Territorial Greenhouse Gas Cap and Trade Initiativethat seeks to develop and implement a GHG cap andtrade system as early as 2010. This system will beprepared in conjunction with other regional systems indevelopment, including the WCI.

The alliances with the WCI and Ontario will ensureQuébec enterprises’ active participation in a carbonmarket that will be compatible with other GHGemission cap and trade systems.

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MEASURE 12: IMPLEMENT THE REGULATION RESPECTINGHALOCARBONS


The Regulation respecting halocarbons, adopted in2004, aims at reducing the emission of halocarbonsinto the air by banning CFCs and halons. This regulationrequires the recovery or draining of any apparatus thatcontains halocarbons prior to starting work that mayproduce emissions. Workers who use halocarbonsare also required to obtain all necessaryenvironmental qualification.

2.1.4 Residual materials

Each year, Québec must eliminate 6.4 Mt of residualmaterials, mostly through landfilling. The biogasgenerated by anaerobic (oxygen-absent) decompositionof organic matter disposed of in landfill sites is animportant source of GHG. Methane is also a problem asit is considered 21 times more harmful than carbondioxide in terms of its contribution to the greenhouseeffect. In 2005, 6.5 Mt of equivalent CO2 weregenerated by landfill sites in Québec.

MEASURE 13: IMPLEMENT THE REGULATION RESPECTINGTHE LANDFILLING AND INCINERATION OF RESIDUALMATERIALS (REIMR)

Total potential reduction and avoidance 500 kilotonsInvestment: zero

In 2006, an important regulation which notably aims atminimizing the impact of biogas generated by landfillsites came into effect. The Regulation (REIMR) containsmany provisions that seek to control biogas emissionsand ensure constant follow-up of the efficiency ofinstalled measuring equipment. Henceforth,all technical landfill sites (LET) will be required to ensuremanagement of generated biogas. The most importanttechnical landfill sites that process more than50,000 tons of residual materials each year will berequired to capture and store biogas, ideally forpurposes of valorization or eventually for incineration.

MEASURE 14: FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE CAPTURE ANDINCINERATION OR VALORIZATION OF BIOGAS GENERATEDBY LANDFILL SITES NOT SO REQUIRED WITHIN THEFRAMEWORK OF THE REIMR

Total potential reduction and avoidance 3.7 kilotonsInvestment: 38 million dollars

There is a multitude of small or recently closed sites orsites that will close in the coming years that are notsubject to the new Québec regulation. These sites offeran interesting GHG reduction potential and thegovernment intends to financially support theinstallation of equipment to capture and incinerateor valorize the biogas from these sites from an energyperspective. Additionally, in its Energy Strategy, thegovernment announced its intention to deregulatebiogas distribution in order to facilitate the processof valorization.

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2.1.5 Agriculture andbiomass valorization

Agricultural GHG emissions come essentially frombiological processes (interactions between soil-basedmicrobes and nitrogen, ruminant digestion and farmfertilizer storage) and the utilisation of fuel and othercombustibles. In 2005, the agricultural sector emitted7.7 Mt of equivalent CO2, which amounted to 8% oftotal Québec GHG emissions. Between 1990 and 2005,emission levels remained relatively stable, increasing byonly 2.7%, while agricultural GDP rose by nearly 30%.

MEASURE 15: SET UP SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR MANUREPROCESSING AND FOR THE ENERGY VALORIZATION OFAGRICULTURAL, FOREST AND MUNICIPAL BIOMASS.


Nearly 20% of this sector’s emissions are related tomanure management. Many technologies exist formanaging these substances that provide for their energyvalorization and for appreciable gains in GHG reduction.Additionally, other sources of agricultural biomass mayserve as energy sources and substitutes for fossil fuels,thus diminishing anthropic CO2 emissions.The government will thus begin a program of financialsupport for actions aimed at reducing GHG emissionsin this sector.

Moreover, the government wishes to support thereduction of GHG emissions by forest, agricultural andmunicipal biomass energy valorization (includingcommercial, institutional and industrial organic waste).No food biomass energy valorization project will beeligible within the framework of this measure.

2.1.6 Government leadership

The Government of Québec intends to lead by examplein the fight against climate change by reducing its ownGHG emissions, in particular those from public buildingsand its light motor vehicle fleet.

Total GHG emissions for Québec public buildings havebeen reduced by more than 15% on average since1990, thanks to the implementation of energy efficiencymeasures. One of the objectives of the 2006-2009Société immobilière du Québec Strategic Plan is tofoster adhering to the GoGreen program. In 2007,63 SIQ buildings were program-certified for havingincorporated ecologically responsible practices intomanagement procedures.

Moreover, in the area of transportation, many ministrieshave acquired hybrid light vehicles, and the parkingsubsidy for government employees will be abolishedin 2009.

In spite of this positive performance, significantopportunities remain for further GHG emissionreductions in public buildings and vehicle fleets.

MEASURE 16: BY 2010, IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OFPUBLIC BUILDINGS TO 10% TO 14% BELOW THE 2003LEVEL AND REDUCE FUEL CONSUMPTION OFGOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PUBLICORGANIZATIONS BY 20%


The government intends to extend its goodperformance in public building energy efficiency bycalling on school boards and the Société immobilière duQuébec to improve energy efficiency in their buildingsby 10% compared to 2003. The target is 14% forinstitutions of higher learning and health and socialservices, while for other ministries and organizationsit has been set at 12%.

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Additionally, all new buildings added to the publicnetwork as well as enlargements and major renovationswill be subject to new energy performance standards.Improvements of at least 25% in energy efficiency willbe required compared to the standards set for newbuildings in the Model National Energy Code of Canadafor Buildings until the new Québec Building Codecomes into effect.

The Government of Québec also wishes to lead byexample in the field of transportation. It intends toreduce fuel consumption in its ministries andorganizations by 20% between now and 2010,compared to 2003 figures. To this end, the governmentwill perform annual follow-ups on vehicle use and adoptrules for improving overall business travel, make driversaware of energy-saving driving techniques and establishvehicle purchase criteria that are more favourable to theenvironment. Finally, the Government of Québec willimprove maintenance of these vehicles and upgradetraining programs designed for maintenance personneland vehicle users.

These measures will be taken in co-operation withl’Agence de l’efficacité énergétique. An accountingmechanism for ministries and government organizationswill be incorporated into management reports.

MEASURE 17: REQUIRE EACH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTTO DEVELOP A PROGRAM TO REDUCE GHG EMISSIONSGENERATED BY EMPLOYEES COMMUTING TO WORK


This type of program consists of studying dailyemployee commuting patterns and offering alternatesolutions to single-passenger automobile travel, thusreducing GHG emissions. Other measures may beproposed such as funding monthly public transit passes,reserved parking for carpoolers, creation of a carpoolInternet site, shuttles for the exclusive use of cyclists,improved bicycle access to the workplace throughsecure parking areas, lockers and showers, etc.

2.1.7 Public awareness

Consumers exercise their responsibilities with respect toclimate warming through choices they make every day.We must make people aware of the necessity of actingto counter climate change and remaining conscious ofthe various means available to reach this goal. To thatend, many initiatives have taken place in Québec inrecent years, aimed at sensitizing the population to theimpact of climate change.

For example, the Société de l’assurance automobile duQuébec (SAAQ) has added new eco-energy tips to itsnew Driving a Passenger Vehicle handbook. The SAAQwill also soon add an “energy efficiency” component toits mandatory driver’s licence examinations. Thanks tothis initiative, new drivers will be fully aware of theautomobile’s impact on the environment and will knowhow to minimize its impact, which will in turn make itpossible for them to realize savings on fuel.

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MEASURE 18: SUPPORT A VARIETY OF PUBLIC AWARENESSAND PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVES


The government intends to participate financially instructure-friendly projects and various awarenessinitiatives related to the fight against climate changeas well as partnerships aimed at developing acarbon market.

MEASURE 19: IMPLEMENT A TRAINING PROGRAM FORQUÉBEC ENTERPRISES AND ORGANIZATIONS ON VARIOUSSYSTEMS OF CO2 CREDITS

Total potential reduction and avoidance: zeroInvestment: 3 million dollars

Since the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, aninternational market in GHG emission reductions hasemerged with 2006 transactions evaluated at 30 billiondollars. The most active market segment, located inEurope, has existed since January 2005. Within NorthAmerica, voluntary emission reductions are alreadybeing traded on the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX)carbon exchange. Transactions should also be coming toCanada, since in July 2006, the Montreal StockExchange and CCX became partners in the creation ofthe Montreal Climate Exchange (MceX) that is the firstCanadian market for financial products related tothe environment. In fact, in May 2008 the MontrealStock Exchange introduced MceX carbon emissionfutures trading.

Moreover, many initiatives aimed at the creation of aGHG emission cap and trade system are presently indevelopment across North America. Among these arethe Western Climate Initiative of which Québec is amember, the federal Regulatory Framework for AirEmissions and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative(RGGI) where Québec enjoys observer status.

The development of these systems generates businessopportunities for many enterprises and institutions inQuébec, particularly in the sectors that are directlylinked to the environment and to energy, but also in allfields where it is possible to reduce GHG emissions.Québec has every interest in preparing its enterprises totake advantage of this market potential andencouraging GHG emission reduction projects.

Three-component training seminars on how nationaland international mechanisms for the creation of creditswork will be offered to Québec enterprises andorganizations. Part one will initiate trainees to theopportunities offered by a carbon market while part twooffers a detailed explanation of the way a GHGreduction project works. Part three will explore theneeds and reduction potentials of emitting enterprises.Market studies and trade missions may also beundertaken and protocols developed for quantifyingemission reductions.

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2.1.8 Research, development andtechnology deployment

In the context of fight against climate change, it is onlynatural that medium and long-term GHG reductions willtake place thanks in large proportion to newtechnology. The government intends to encourage thedevelopment of technologies such as those related torenewable energy, biofuel, energy efficiency, biomassvalorization and CO2 capture and storage. In Québec,research and development (R&D) in technologies relatedto climate change has increased markedly in the lastfew years. A recent survey has revealed more than onehundred emerging technologies that have an impact onGHG reduction.

Attractive markets will open to enterprises working onthe development of technologies used in the fightagainst climate change. On a global scale, there is agrowing demand for clean energy and energy efficiency,driven by efforts towards GHG emission reduction andthe will of nations to reduce their dependencyon petroleum.

Since 2002, numerous Québec technologicalinnovations have appeared in the fields of energyefficiency, biomass energy valorization (liquid manure,waste, forest residue) and renewable energy, thanks inparticular to Québec’s technology showcase supportprogram or “Programme de soutien aux vitrinestechnologiques.” Such technologies, that can reduceGHG emissions in these sectors, have considerableexport potential in a context in which the carbonmarket is rapidly developing on both side ofthe Atlantic.

In the transportation field, many other interestingtechnologies have been developed in recent years, suchas the TM4 (a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec) electricpropulsion system, the miniaturization of semi-trailercabin heating systems and the confection of new metalsfor the automotive industry that are lighter but stronger.Additionally, Québec now has a hydrogen researchinstitute at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Thisinstitute conducts leading-edge research in thepromising field of hydrogen production, storage andenergy uses.

Finally, in May 2008 the government revealed its newDevelopment strategy for Québec’s environmental andgreen technology industry – For a Green and ProsperousQuébec (that has been given an annual budget of282million dollars). The development and deploymentof these new technologies represents a unique growthpotential for a green technology industry that combinesthe fight against climate change with businessopportunities. The government has invested 25 milliondollars as partner in a 100 million dollar venture capitalfund that will allow manufacturers to realize cleanrenewable energy production projects aimed atreducing GHG.

MEASURE 20: IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM TO SUPPORTTECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FOR THEREDUCTION AND SEQUESTRATION OF GHGS


The government has identified the most promising R&Dniches for Québec, taking into account existingorganizations, current university research expertise andmanufacturing potential. Among these niches are forest,agricultural and municipal biomass valorization, captureand storage of GHG emissions, geothermy, solar energyand hydrogen.

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The Government of Québec intends to set up financialassistance programs for research projects in thesesectors. Government support will especially target thefinal phase of development and pre-commercialdemonstration of technologies that fight climate changeand improve the productivity, profitability and globalcompetitiveness of Québec industry.

The demonstration, pre-commercial and marketingstages of these new technologies will be supported inorder to recover investment in research through salesand exports of Québec products and services associatedwith GHG reduction. For these last stages, financialassistance will be granted to help the enterprises pulltheir projects together, finance the demonstration ofinnovative technologies and adapt existing technologiesto Québec realities.

Moreover, there exists within Québec a significantpotential for geological and mineral CO2 capture, forexample in sedimentary basin saline aquifers orindustrial waste such as that generated by asbestosmining (chrysolite). The government will thus supportresearch and development in this promising field.

2.1.9 Recourse to climatechange economic instruments

The laws of the marketplace and traditional regulationsdo not always lead to hoped-for environmental results.Economic instruments are among the tools thatgovernments can use to reduce GHG emissions.Institutions such as the Organisation for economicco-operation and development (OECD) and Canada’sNational Round Table on the Environment and theEconomy (NRTEE) strongly recommend that such toolsbe used to change individual and corporate behaviour.

Hydrocarbons, used especially in the transportation andbuilding sectors, are responsible for more than 70% ofQuébec GHG emissions. In order to substantially reduceGHGs, these energy sources have to be targeted usingall available tools whether regulatory, economicor voluntary.

After the Sustainable Development Act became law inApril 2006, the Ministère du Développement durable,de l’Environnement and des Parcs created a Green Fund,in June of the same year. This fund can be added tofrom amounts collected through the application ofeconomic instruments.

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CATEGORIES OF ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTSEconomic instruments can be divided into two main categories, fiscal and non fiscal. The first category includeseco-taxes, user fees, fiscal incentives and financial compliance incentives. The second category includes cap andtrade systems and deposits.


The funding of climate change measures will be ensuredby an annual duty on gasoline and fossil fuels called theannual Green Fund duty, collected from distributors oftarget fuels and other combustibles. In addition toeliciting the desired consciousness-raising among thepopulation and inducing users to modify their habits,collecting this fee will also achieve desirableenvironmental goals.

Revenues generated by the fee will be on the order of1.2 billion dollars over six years or about 200 milliondollars per year, to which will be added a 350 milliondollar contribution from the federal government Trustfund for clean air and climate change. Québec will thusbe the beneficiary of 1.55 billion dollars by 2012.These sums will be paid into the Green Fund and usedto finance the 26 measures of the Action Plan includingthose related to energy, transport, municipalities, theindustrial sector, residual materials, agriculture, publicawareness, technological innovation, health andthe environment.

The follow table summarizes these 2006-2012 ActionPlan measures for reducing and avoiding GHGemissions. Additional information may be found inthe appendix.

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GHG emission reduction and avoidance actions

GHG EMISSION REDUCTIONS AND AVOIDANCE TO BE ACHIEVED BY 2012

Energy and transportation (actions include technological innovation,energy efficiency in buildings, municipalities, alternative fuels,public transit and transport of goods)

Industrial sector (voluntary and regulatory measures including the Regulation respecting halocarbons)

Residual materials (implementation of the Regulation respectingthe landfilling and incineration of residual materials,biogas capture and valorization)

Agriculture and valorization of agricultural, forest and municipal biomass

Government leadership

Public awareness

Technological development

TOTAL

5,6 Mt of equivalent CO2




0.2 Mt of equivalent CO2




Potential for GHG emissionreduction and avoidance

34

The measures described in this plan will make it possible for the Governmentof Québec to reduce annual Québec GHG emissions by 14.6 megatons ofequivalent CO2 below anticipated 2012 levels, according to a Business As Usual(BAU) forecast. Emission levels for 2012 will thus be reduced from 96.9 to82.3 megatons of equivalent CO2.

2.2THE ACTION PLAN’S IMPACTON QUÉBEC GHG EMISSIONS

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ACTION PLAN IMPACT OF GHG EMISSIONS (2005 DATA)

GHG emissions

1990 level

2005 level

BAU 2012 emission forecast

Efforts made as part of the Québec Action Plan

Impact of the Action Plan and forecast 2012 emissions(drop of 6% below 1990 emission levels)

87,5

92,0

96,9

14,6

82,3

Equivalent Mt. CO2

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Even if much uncertainty remains with respect to the magnitude and timing ofthe various impacts of climate change in Québec, the reports of theIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) clearly indicate that suchimpact is both inevitable and will bring significant consequences for the entireinternational community, including Québec. Precaution counsels us to start toprepare right away.

Québec’s 1.7 million sq. km. area is replete with a multitude of ecosystems thatare adapted to regional and local climates. The characteristics, magnitude andspeed of climate change may vary according to location. Additionally, the landand water ecosystems and populations of these areas and their socio-economicactivities will be affected by such change, both positively and negatively. Thesensitivity of the Québec economy to climate change will be a function of thenature and size of sectors that may benefit from climate evolution, orcontrariwise, suffer from its impact. Agriculture and natural resource extractionand transformation may be directly affected by climate change. Other sectors ofthe economy such as transport and manufacturing will be subject to effectswhose nature and size will need to be evaluated in order to adapt to them.Monitoring the evolution of the climate and its effects on natural and man-madeenvironments has become a necessity.

For more than a decade now, Québec has undertaken actions aimed atsensitizing its population to the phenomenon of climate change. The effects ofglobal warming have already been felt. Now it is time to intensity our effortsaimed at adapting to them.

2.3.1 Health and public security

Climate change may result in non-negligible consequences for human health.Increased rates of infectious disease, frequency of heat waves and extremeweather events will likely impact the death rate of our population, especially forthe vulnerable (seniors, the homeless, infants, etc.).

However, the effects of climate change on human health may be mitigated byadopting preventive measures, improving our knowledge base and setting upalert and monitoring systems.

2.3ACTIONS TARGETING QUÉBEC’SADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

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The Government of Québec has taken many steps inrecent years towards preparing the population for theimpact of climate change. For instance, it required manyregions of Québec to prepare individualized emergencystrategies for dealing with heat waves. These regionalemergency plans call for assistance to those who are atrisk, preparing cool zones, distributing water to thehomeless and applying appropriate measures forhospitalized or home care patients.

In the area of public security, the climate warmingphenomena that are of most concern are increasedfrequency and intensity of heavy rainfall and violentwind, drought, rise in average sea level and freeze-thawcycles. These phenomena may in turn cause other kindsof disasters that can affect human activity, such aspower outages or telecommunication breakdowns, dambreaches or the collapse of structures and buildings.

Many phenomena are likely to increase in magnitude,and so in evaluating the risks of disasters stemmingfrom climate change we need to look at the growingvulnerability of our communities. Like other societies,Québec’s population and its economy are more andmore exposed to the effects of climate disturbance.This situation is caused by numerous factors: housingdevelopments in areas that are fragile or have significantexposure to bad weather, changes to naturalenvironments caused by human activities, urban sprawland the densification of cities, aging public and privateinfrastructures, etc.

This is the context in which the government launchedits Cadre de prévention des risques naturels inNovember 2006, in which at term nearly 55 milliondollars will have been invested. This framework supportsmunicipalities that want to act preventively with respectto principal natural risks so as to attenuate their impact,including some risks related to climate change(increased coastal erosion, flooding, landslides, etc.).The value of infrastructures that will be threatened byerosion over the next three decades is estimated to bein excess of one billion dollars. A study of costs relatedto various adaptive measures is currently being made.

This framework thus complements the Action Planmeasures aimed at adapting to global warming.

MEASURE 21: SET UP MECHANISMS TO PREVENT ANDMITIGATE THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON HEALTHAND PUBLIC SECURITY

Total potential reduction and avoidance zeroInvestment: 34 million dollars

In order to mitigate the negative impacts of climatechange on the health of Québecers, the Government ofQuébec will set up two monitoring systems. Firstly, itwill install a warning system for intense heat and amonitoring system for health problems related toclimate change throughout regions susceptible to theseissues. Following this, the government will introduce ashort and long term epidemiological monitoring systemfor physical and psychosocial health problems related toextreme climate events.

Additionally, systems for monitoring infectious diseaseswill be improved to ensure rapid pathogen and diseasedetection in a climate change context. Training sessionswill be offered to public health, clinical service and civilprotection personnel concerning these diseases andemerging health problems. Committees of experts willalso be struck to advise health institution managers onapplicable actions required to ensure that buildings andinfrastructures are better able to resist the harmfuleffects of extreme heat.

Moreover, the government will offer financial supportfor the creation of urban cool zones (planting trees,park creation, municipal swimming pools, etc.) and forair conditioning of strategic infrastructure (hospitals,care centres for the elderly, schools, etc.) so as tomitigate the impact of summer heat waves.

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As for public security, the government intends tosupport the development of the means for adaptingcoastal communities to climate change with respect tocoastline erosion. It also supports the creation of aresearch chair in coastal geosciences that will becompletely devoted to the acquisition of knowledgeabout the dynamics of coastline erosion, impactevaluation and recent, current and future challengesassociated with coastal dynamics and the strengtheningof coastal community adaptation capabilities in thecontext of integrated coastal management.

Finally, it intends to commission studies on the varioustypes of flooding that occur in Québec and use theresults to support mapping-out restricted developmentzones and preparing regulations and eventually, civilsecurity plans. Among other results of these studies willbe the ability to propose means for adapting to theconsequences of climate change as it concernsdevelopment in areas subject to varying risksof flooding.

2.3.2 The environment,natural resources and the territory

The characteristics, scope and speed of climate changemay vary in different parts of Québec. Monitoringnetworks and programs are thus vital elements in thefight against climate change and its effects on variousQuébec socio-economic sectors.

With respect to monitoring networks, the government iscurrently upgrading its air quality station network thatwas developed as part of the Canada-Québecagreement on the atmospheric pollution-monitoringprogram. This will improve monitoring of air pollutionthat is harmful to human health, such as smog.Inasmuch as the chemical composition and formationmechanisms of air pollution are affected by the climate,especially during smog episodes, it is important to betterunderstand the repercussions of climate change on airquality in order to get an improved grip on tendencies inthis field.

North of the 55th parallel, in Nunavik, the governmenthas installed or re-started automated systems thatmeasure the thermal permafrost system at variousdepths beneath state-owned transportationinfrastructures. Follow-up is taking place at sevennorthern airports deemed to be at risk from acceleratedpermafrost thawing. The systems gather data ontemperature and follow permafrost evolution and theimpact of thawing to better plan adaptive action.Permafrost characterization work (geophysical reportsand shallow-depth drilling) by Université Laval scientistsis also taking place at some airport sites.

Coastline erosion threatens shore properties as well aspublic infrastructures located in vulnerable areas and thisphenomenon is growing due to climate change. Forexample, the period when the Gulf of St. Lawrence isiced over will shorten from 65 days to around 25 daysannually, resulting in ice-free shorelines sufferingincreased exposure to erosion. Similarly, vulnerablesites and protective structures along the nationalroad network in the Gaspé, Côte-Nord andÎles-de-la-Madeleine regions will require more emergencyintervention due to more and more frequent extremeclimate events.

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MEASURE 22: CONSOLIDATE CLIMATE, HYDRIC,SUBTERRANEAN WATER RESOURCE AND AIR QUALITYMONITORING NETWORKS


Consolidating and adapting environmental monitoringnetworks is indispensable for adequately quantifyingcurrent trends and understanding the magnitude ofongoing changes, evaluating potential impact andpreparing adaptive action. In fact, in order to supportthe preparation of such action, it will be necessary tohave available reliable climatologic data, interpretativetools and indicators adapted to the problem of climatechange. Additionally, suspected hydrology systemfluctuations may have negative effects on the quantityand the quality of the water supply or on its utilisation.In the same context, increased sampling of thereplenishment capacity of underground reservoirs thatcould very well suffer considerable transformation maybe required since this is a phenomenon that needs tobe closely monitored.

For such reasons, the government intends to invest inconsolidating and modernizing its climatologic andhydrometric networks and prioritizing that part of thenetwork located north of the 50th parallel. It will alsopursue development of a water table monitoringnetwork and improve urban climate monitoring.

Additionally, the government intends to see to theneeds for the analysis, interpretation and disseminationof climatologic data and interpretative tools andindicators adapted to climate change and theunderstanding of its repercussions on air quality.

Moreover, the close relationship between air pollution(smog, for example) and the health of the Québecpopulation highlights the necessity of being able tocount on a robust air quality monitoring networkadapted to climate warming.

The government aims to upgrade the air quality-monitoring network and improve the programs anduses it supports (public air quality index and predictionbroadcasting, strategies with respect to various sectorialsources of diffuse pollution, etc.).

MEASURE 23: PERFORM VARIOUS EVALUATIONS ANDRESEARCH RELATED TO PERMAFROST THAWING,PROBLEMS OF COASTLINE EROSION AND ADAPTING TOTHE IMPACTS OF THESE CLIMATE CHANGES

Total potential reduction and avoidance: zeroInvestment: 6.6 million dollars

The impact of climate change on sensitive environmentssuch as permafrost will in turn affect transportationinfrastructures in these areas. Two research projects willstudy four different methods for mitigating the effectsof permafrost thaw on Nunavik transportationinfrastructures. Sites under study will be the pavedaccess road between the village of Salluit and its airportas well as the Tasiujaq gravel landing strip.

The intended budget will allow for research and follow-up on the impact of permafrost thawing on airport(access road and landing strip) and maritimetransportation infrastructures in Nunavik as well as oncoastal erosion issues in the Gulf of St. Lawrence andits marine estuary. In 2008-2009, deep drilling will takeplace at vulnerable airport sites in order to obtainfurther information concerning rock depth and soils andtheir ice content. This knowledge, combined withclimatologic projections, will allow for a more accurateprediction of the scope of impact on infrastructures.

Some research studies on the problem of coastal erosionin the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its marine estuary willserve to update the identification and analysis ofvulnerable sites and structures along the road network,while others will aim at analyzing structure and shoreprotection methodologies with a view to adapting themto climate change.

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MEASURE 24: DETERMINE THE VULNERABILITY OF QUÉBECFORESTS AND THE FOREST SECTOR TO CLIMATE CHANGEAND INCORPORATE THE ANTICIPATED EFFECTS OF THESECHANGES INTO FOREST MANAGEMENT


Climate and forests are indivisible from each other.To a great extent, climate determines the compositionand distribution of forests in a highly dynamicrelationship. Decisions taken today will continue toinfluence our forests for a very long time. Currentyoung forests and those that will emerge from today’smanagement activity may be subject to differentclimate conditions than those faced today. It is thus vitalthat forest stakeholders immediately incorporateclimate considerations into their planning andmanagement activities.

A forest and forest sector vulnerability study will first bemade. Subsequently, climatologic scenarios resultingfrom simulations performed by the Ouranos consortiumwill be incorporated into forest sector managementplanning in the light of any identified vulnerabilities.

MEASURE 25: REINFORCE WATER AND AIR QUALITYMANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

Total potential reduction and avoidance: zeroInvestment: 12.4 million dollars

Air quality in Québec has considerably improved sincethe 1970s and yet the most recent evaluations of theeffects of air pollution indicate that concentrationsremain a public health concern in many regions ofQuébec. Global warming risks exacerbating thissituation. The numerous episodes of smog that affectour principal cities in both summer and winter testifyto the need for even more vigilance in the area of airquality and for strengthening our interventions.

To reverse the current trend, the MDDEP proposesto elicit the development of regional and/or municipalair quality plans and enhancements toregulatory monitoring.

Insofar as water management goes, using a watershedapproach to planning is a highly appropriate way ofpreparing to adapt to the effects of climate change. Inthis context, the government intends to implement ahydrology modeling platform for watersheds ininhabited areas of Québec.

Through the use of representative cases, project analysiswill take into account the effects of climate change onwater management and the planning of adaptivemeasures. This hydrology model will providestakeholders with structural tools for analysis,planning and management. It will especially providefor testing the many scenarios for adapting to theimpact of climate change with respect to watermanagement issues.

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MEASURE 26: SUPPORT THE OURANOS CONSORTIUMPROGRAM


The Ouranos research consortium has been workingsince 2001 in the field of regional climatology andadaptation to climate change. Using multidisciplinaryteams, it has developed knowledge and tools regardingclimate change, its impact, vulnerabilities and businessopportunities in a number of areas. Research conductedin the framework of its scientific programs providessupport for the implementation of a certain number ofadaptive measures, as previously described. Tounderscore the importance of Ouranos to Québec’sprocess of adapting to climate change, specialassistance has been granted to widen the scope of itsscientific programs in certain fields.

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FOLLOWING THE UNVEILING OF THE ACTION PLAN ITSELF,THE GOVERNMENT WILL PUBLISH AN ANNUAL PROGRESSREPORT ON THE STATE OF ONGOING WORK. TO THAT ENDIT WILL IMPLEMENT AN APPROPRIATE ACCOUNTINGMECHANISM AND THUS PLAN ITS ACTIONS SO AS TOATTAIN ITS GOALS, AND AS NECESSARY, REFOCUS ITSPRIORITIES.

3.THE ACTION PLAN’SACCOUNTABILITYMECHANISM

4.CONCLUSION

QUÉBEC IS AMONG THE MOST PROGRESSIVE NATIONS INTHE WORLD IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGEAND ITS ENERGY PROFILE IS UNIQUE WITHIN NORTHAMERICA. REDUCING AND AVOIDING GHG EMISSIONAND ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE REQUIRE THEDEVELOPMENT AND USE OF NEW TECHNOLOGY ANDIMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN MANY ACTIVITYSECTORS.

TO THIS END, THE 2006-2012 CLIMATE CHANGE ACTIONPLAN HAS TWO IMPORTANT OBJECTIVES: REDUCINGGHG EMISSIONS AND ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE.QUÉBEC’S GHG EMISSION PROFILE SHOWS THAT THESECTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE THE MOST TO INCREASEDGHG EMISSION ARE ENERGY AND TRANSPORTATION.CONSEQUENTLY, THE MEASURES FOR LOWERINGEMISSIONS ARE MAINLY AIMED AT THESE TWOECONOMIC SECTORS THAT HAVE SHOWN INCREASEDEMISSIONS SINCE 1990. THESE MEASURES ALSO AIM TOREDUCE GHG EMISSIONS STEMMING FROMGOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES, RESIDUAL MATERIALSPROCESSING, MUNICIPALITIES, INDUSTRY ANDAGRICULTURE. VARIOUS MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TOSENSITIZE AND MOBILIZE THE PUBLIC AND TO SUPPORTTECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION. OTHER MEASURES WILLREVOLVE AROUND THE PROCESS OF ADAPTING TOCLIMATE CHANGE WHILE MAINTAINING HEALTH ANDTHE ENVIRONMENT AS PRIORITIES.

ONCE AGAIN, THE GOVERNMENT OF QUÉBEC HASDEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP IN THE AREA OF THE FIGHTAGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE, AND INVITES ALL MEMBERSOF QUÉBEC SOCIETY TO RESPOND TO THE CHALLENGESASSOCIATED WITH GLOBAL WARMING IN THEPERSPECTIVE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

APPENDICES


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APPENDICE 1POTENTIAL GHG AVOIDANCE AND REDUCTION

Reduction or avoidance actions (1)

Reduction /avoidance potential

total for 2012 (2)

(Équivalent CO2)(kt$)

Total cost ofactions for the

2006-2012 period

(M$)

Responsibleministries /

organizations

1. Implement a financing program aimed at energy efficiency for individuals, industries, institutions,companies and municipalities in Québec

990 185,0 AEE

2. Amend Québec's Building Code to improve energy performance of new buildingsand homes built in Québec

50 - AEE

3. Utilize the necessary mechanisms to require manufacturers of light-duty vehicles sold in Québecto meet a GHG emissions standard starting in 2010

1 700 - MDDEP

4. Aim to have gasoline distributors include a minimum of 5% ethanol in their total fuel sales by 2012 780 30,0 MRNF

5. Support municipalities taking GHG emission inventories and action on climate change 460 14,2 MDDEPand in adopting regulations to offset the effects of idling motors

6. Encourage the development and use of public transit 100 720,0 MTQ

7. Encourage the development and use of transportation alternatives 30 60,0 MTQ

8. Encourage implementation of multi-modal projects for the transportation of merchandise 80 60,0 MTQ

9. Implement a support program for the marketing of technological innovations in energy efficiencyin the transport of merchandise

1 050 45,0 MTQ / AEE

10. Adopt a regulation requiring mandatory use of speed limiting devices on all trucks and settingthe maximum speed for these vehicles at 105 Km/hr

330 - MTQ

11. Reduce GHG emissions in Québec's industrial sector 940 1,2 MDDEP

12. Implement the Regulation respecting halocarbons 700 - MDDEP

13. Implement the Regulation respecting the landfilling and incineration of residual materials (REIMR) 500 - MDDEP

14. Financially support the capture and incineration or valorization of biogas generated by landfill sitesnot so required within the framework of the REIMR

3 700 38,0 MDDEP

15. Set up support programs for manure processing and for the energy valorization of agricultural,forest and municipal biomass

1 800 124,0 AEE, MAPAQ, MDDEP,

MDEIE, MRNF

16. By 2010, improve the energy efficiency of public buildings by 10% to 14% below the 2003 level 150 - AEEand reduce fuel consumption of government departments and public organizations by 20%

17. Require each government department to develop a program to reduce GHG emissionsgenerated by employees commuting to work

20 9,0 MDDEP / MTQ

Sub-total 13 380 1 286,4

1) All measures that have no allocated costs are funded from within the regular budgets of ministries and organizations or through the Québec Energy Strategy.2) Evaluations of potential reduction and avoidance are presented only as indications and should be taken as forecasts.


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Awareness measuresReduction /

avoidance potentialtotal for 2012

(kt$)

Total cost of actionsfor the

2006-2012 period(M$)


organizations

18. Support a variety of public awareness and partnership initiatives 100 31,5 MDDEP

19. Implement a training program for Québec enterprises and organizations onvarious systems of CO2 credits

- 3,0 MDEIE

Sub-total 100 34,5

Research, development andtechnology deployment


2006-2012 period

Ministères / organismes

responsables

20. Implement a program to support technological research and innovation for the reductionand sequestration of GHGs

1 100 135,0 AEE, MDDEP, MDEIE, MRNF

Sub-total 1 100 135,0


2006-2012 period(M$)


organizations

Costs related to coordinating the implementation of program measures,development and follow-up of funding and accounting mechanisms.

- 1,0 MDDEP

Sub-total 1,0

Adaptation measuresTotal cost of actions

for the2006-2012 period


organizations

21. Set up mechanisms to prevent and mitigate the impact of climate change on healthand public security

- 34,0 MSP, MSSS

22. Consolidate climate, hydric, subterranean water resource andair quality monitoring networks

- 24,0 MDDEP

23. Perform various evaluations and research related to permafrost thawing, problems of coastline erosionand adapting to the impacts of these climate changes

- 6,6 MTQ

24. Determine the vulnerability of Québec forests and the forest sector to climate changeand incorporate the anticipated effects of these changes into forest management

- 6,0 MRNF

25. Reinforce water and air quality management procedures - 12,4 MDDEP

26. Support the Ouranos Consortium program - 10,0 MDDEP

Sub-total 93,0

TOTAL 14 580 1 549,9


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APPENDIX 2ADDITIONAL MEASURES IN THEFIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

Additional Measures in the Fight Against Climate ChangeGovernment

Financing(M$)

ResponsibleMinistries/ Agencies

Other measures of the Québec Public Transit Policy 3 700 MTQ

ClimatSol program 50 MDDEP

Clean technologies risk capital fund (Cycle Capital Fonds 1) 25 MDEIE

Heavy-duty vehicle inspection and maintenance program N/A MDDEP

Energy Efficiency Master Plan N/A AEE

Hybrid vehicle purchase tax refund of $2000 (6 litres and less per 100 km) N/A MRQ

Amendment to the Highway Safety Code authorizing new vehicle pilot project road network access, including electric vehicles N/A MTQ

Preventive action framework for natural disasters 55 MSP

Regulation respecting mandatory reporting of certain emissions of contaminants into the atmosphere NA MDDEP

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2006–2012 ACTION PLAN

QUÉBEC AND CLIMATE CHANGEA Challenge for the Future

For further information, please contact theinformation centre of the Ministère du Développementdurable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs.

Telephone: 418 521-3830Toll-free: 1 800 561-1616Fax: 418 646-5974E-mail: [email protected]: www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca

Legal depositBibliothèque nationale du Québec, 2008Translated by Robert Davies

ISBN: 978-2-550-53861-5 (Print version)978-2-550-53862-2 (PDF)

© Gouvernement du Québec, 2008

Photo : Pierre Gignac, © Le Québec en images, CCDMD

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