The report of the Sustainable Development Commissioner is tabled in the National Assembly - Press Release no. 1

QUÉBEC, June 2, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Ms. Guylaine Leclerc, Auditor General of Québec, makes public the Report of the Sustainable Development Commissioner (spring 2016). This report presents, in addition to the observations of the Sustainable Development Commissioner, Mr. Jean Cinq-Mars, three chapters presenting results of work carried out in the last year.

Observations of the Sustainable Development Commissioner (Chapter 1)

Mr. Cinq-Mars gives particular attention to various topics of interest to Quebecers: wildlife, pesticides in agricultural areas and the carbon market.

Conservation and Development of Wildlife (Chapter 2)

The Sustainable Development Commissioner mentions that wildlife is a renewable resource that forms the basis for activities that generate numerous jobs and significant economic benefits, i.e., nearly $900 million, particularly in the regions. His work leads him to conclude that the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP) has not taken all the necessary actions to ensure wildlife conservation and the development of wildlife-related activities. For example, the MFFP has not developed a strategy concerning this development. In addition, it has limited knowledge about several species, which compromises its ability to conserve those species and optimize their related development. Moreover, the Department provides little support to ZECs to prevent conflicts arising from illegal camping or the unlawful appropriation of moose hunting grounds.

Pesticides in Agricultural Areas (Chapter 3)

In this audit, Mr. Cinq-Mars outlines that pesticide sales have continued to increase in agriculture for several years. He mentions that pesticide use may be accompanied by negative effects on insects, environment and human health. The last analysis published by the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques of pesticides present in rivers in agricultural areas showed that the presence of these products is problematic to say the least; sometimes, the concentration of certain pesticides exceeds the levels set to protect aquatic life. The Sustainable Development Commissioner also specifies that more and more pesticides likely to harm health and environment are used despite the numerous measures adopted over the past 20 years.

Carbon Market (Chapter 4)

The Sustainable Development Commissioner presents a study that describes the operation of the cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission allowances, commonly referred to as the "carbon market." This system, which was introduced in 2013 by the Government of Québec, is intended to cause a change in behaviour among industrial GHG emitters and gasoline and fossil fuel consumers. This study also addresses issues that will need special attention for the province of Québec to obtain the expected benefits of the carbon market in the years to come.

The Highlights are available at www.vgq.qc.ca. The full report is available only in French.

Source:

Lucie Roy, Director Cabinet, communications et affaires stratégiques Auditor General of Québec Tel.: [phone]

SOURCE Vérificateur Général du Québec

Lucie Roy, Director, Cabinet, communications et affaires stratégiques, Auditor General of Québec, Tel.: [phone]