Question Period Note: Port of Quebec – Deep Water Wharf Project, Beauport Sector: Laurentia Project

Port of Quebec – Deep Water Wharf Project, Beauport Sector: Laurentia Project

• Our Government is addressing risks of development through robust project assessments so that good projects can proceed.
• The Project is undergoing a federal environmental assessment by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.
• The Agency is working closely with the Government of Quebec in carrying out the federal environmental assessment.
• I am confident that the federal process will identify and thoroughly assess potential environmental effects, and provide for public participation and consultation with Indigenous groups.

• The Port of Quebec proposes to expand its Beauport sector bulk shipment facilities. The Project would extend the existing wharf line by 610 metres to add one deep-water berth, and create a new 17.5 hectares handling area.
• On July 31, 2015, at the request of the Proponent, the former Minister of the Environment designated the Project by ministerial order as requiring an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012).
• Quebec officials are participating as a full member of the Technical Environmental Assessment Committee that contributes expertise and provides advice to the environmental assessment.
• Ten First Nations were invited to participate in the environmental assessment process: the Huron-Wendats, the Mohawks from Kahnawake (Kanesatake and Akwesasne), the Abenakis Nations (Odanak and Wolinak), three Innus Nations (Masteuiatsh, Essipit and Pessamit) and the Malecites from Viger. Eight are actively involved and seven have received funding from the Agency.
• The Project has undergone several modifications and adjustments between April 2017 and October 2019. These changes have resulted in the reduction of the footprint on the seabed as well as new environmental impacts. Public information sessions were held in February 2018 and in the spring of 2019, to allow the public and First Nations to comment on the Project and Environmental Impact Statement updates.
• In April 2017 and in August 2019, the Agency sent an information request to the proponent. A response to this last information request is required to complete the analysis.

Question Period notes as provided by the Department to the Minister’s Office