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MONTREAL, May 7, 2026 – Équiterre fully supports the warning issued today by Quebec’s Commissioner for Sustainable Development, Janique Lambert: we have to do better. In the organization’s view, the lack of accountability leaves little doubt as to the extent of the government’s disengagement from environmental protection and is a clear sign of a failure to take responsibility. Unfortunately, all Quebecers are paying the price.
A culture of denial
The Commissioner is concerned, and so is Équiterre. The government has ignored its own legislation, and current efforts are not only insufficient—they may actually be setting us back. By rushing through administrative decisions that lower environmental standards, the government is losing valuable time.
“The message is the same as it was 20 years ago: ignoring the environment will lead us into a brick wall. A government that turns its back on the principles of sustainable development is one that has abandoned its people and, in so doing, is sacrificing future generations,” warns Charles-Édouard Têtu, Équiterre’s Climate and Energy Policy Analyst.
Lack of transparency as a barrier to action
Across Quebec, communities are feeling the impacts of the climate crisis without having the resources to address them. Équiterre finds it difficult to understand the government’s lack of effective action on its Plan for a Green Economy and its inability to justify the lack of effort to enforce its own laws. This lack of transparency, which has been called out by the commissioner, distorts accountability and is stifling action when it comes to the climate.
“The climate crisis is escalating, and government neglect is only making it worse. By ignoring its own legislation, the government is shooting itself in the foot. You don’t get results by bending the rules, but by following the plan,” adds the expert.
For more information :
media@equiterre.org; (514) 605-2000
