Quebec government invokes closure to force through sweeping energy bill
Legault pointed to the creation of 'good jobs' if Bill 69 is passed before summer
The Quebec government has invoked closure to speed up the adoption of a bill that will give Hydro-Québec free rein to increase its electricity production.
This parliamentary procedure limits the time devoted to debate on a motion or bill and fast-tracks its adoption.
Christine Fréchette, Quebec's economy and energy minister, said adopting Bill 69 before the end of the legislative session would save $6 billion on the government's $30 billion wind power strategy.
The bill makes sweeping changes to the operations of Hydro-Québec and how electricity rates are fixed. The government has promised to cap increases in residential electricity rates to three per cent.
The bill will also allow a private company to sell its electricity to another and aims to simplify partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Opposition parties are highly critical of the bill, deeming it poorly crafted.
Quebec's former "super minister" of economy and energy Pierre Fitzgibbon tabled the bill in June 2024 — highlighting the purpose of accelerating the production of green energy.
After he stepped down, Fréchette took over, but the bill's legislative process was laborious.Two weeks ago, she tabled 52 amendments to modify the bill.
Premier François Legault pointed to the creation of "good jobs" if the bill is passed before the summer.