In late September, Quebec Premier François Legault announced the largest private manufacturing investment in the province’s history, a $7 billion project with Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt. The goal was to establish Quebec as a global player in the electric vehicle supply chain by creating the “greenest electric battery factory in the world.” However, the project has faced backlash from environmentalists and the public due to concerns about the high costs, lack of public consultation, and environmental impact. The government’s $2.9 billion commitment, along with $4.4 billion from Ottawa, led to changes in environmental regulations that allowed the project to avoid public consultations.
The environmental group Centre québécois du droit de l’environnement (CQDE) filed a lawsuit against Quebec for allowing the project to move forward without respecting established laws and procedures. Despite not criticizing the Northvolt project itself, the group is concerned about the lack of democratic processes and respect for biodiversity. The CQDE sought to protect wetlands and stop clear-cutting at the 171-hectare site, but ultimately lost their court injunction. The group continues its legal battle to invalidate the environment minister’s approval of preparatory work at the site.
The Quebec government defended its decision to bypass a full public review by the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE), stating that the process would have taken too long and potentially led Northvolt to seek other locations. The government raised the production threshold needed to trigger a review, exempting Northvolt’s planned production output of 56,000 tonnes a year. Premier Legault expressed disappointment at the criticism the project received, citing the need for progress and change in Quebec’s attitude towards development projects.
Critics argue that the Northvolt project represents a lack of consistency in the Legault government’s approach, particularly in its nationalist policies that prioritize Quebec’s autonomy and culture. The government’s controversial decisions, such as limiting immigration and implementing language reforms, contrast with the foreign company’s takeover of Quebec land for the battery factory. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the government’s mixed messaging on environmental issues, particularly in light of plans to revive a major highway project known as the third link in the Quebec City region.
Despite the controversy surrounding the project, Northvolt remains determined to move forward with its plans to manufacture electric battery cells and cathode active material by 2026. Co-founder Paolo Cerruti emphasized the company’s commitment to the project, despite recent incidents of vandalism at the work site. Political science professor Laurence Bherer highlights the mistrust that arises from sidestepping the BAPE and questions the government’s environmental policy, which she views as contradictory. As the debate continues, the Northvolt project stands as a symbol of the tensions between economic development, environmental concerns, and governance in Quebec.
