These investments will reduce GHG emissions from this sector, which is responsible for 43% of GHG emissions in Québec. GHG emissions in Québec reached their historic peak in 2003 to 6.8% above the level of 1990.

Overall, the plan outlines 30 priorities for action, particularly in the field of sustainable mobility, land use planning and energy, or sectors where Québec can make significant gains in reducing greenhouse has (GHG) emissions. The planned actions are intended to contribute significantly to achieving the objective of Québec’s climate change to reduce GHG emissions 20% below 1990 levels by 2020.

This action plan follows the one launched in 2006 which will expire this year.

The action plan is the centerpiece of the strategic approach of the government’s fight against climate change, to which other government initiatives will be added.

The actions announced thus constitute the first phase of an evolving plan. They should achieve reductions in Québec of about 6.1 megatonnes on the 11.7 megatonnes deemed necessary to achieve the target reduction of GHG emissions by 2020. As was announced in the last budget, the second phase of the action plan will be launched mid-term in light of the revenue that will generate carbon market and new guidelines adopted in terms of sustainable mobility, spatial territory and power.

The action plan will also change according to the development of climate science, new technologies and the status of Quebec towards achieving its objectives, the Government said.