Heurtel has ignored the opinion of the BAPE

Photo Simon Clark
The Office of public hearings on the environment recommended to the minister David Heurtel to put in place a committee totally independent of the policy to select the future members of the organization.

Charles Lecavalier

Friday 6 oct 2017 00:00

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Friday 6 oct 2017 00:00

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EXCLUSIVE | David Heurtel has ignored the opinion of the BAPE in choosing a mode of appointment which gives him the flexibility to appoint the officers of the guard dog of the environment.

According to documents viewed by The Journal and obtained by Greenpeace, the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) has recommended that the minister set up a committee totally independent of the policy to select the future members of the organization.

It proposes the creation of a committee composed of the president of the BAPE, a representative of the public designated by him, and retired from the public service.

Quebec has dismissed out of hand such advice, and has made the adoption of a regulation without consultation and providing that the committee of selection is controlled by the government.

This decision is heavily criticised by environmental groups and opposition parties. “In the current situation, the government could appoint a stooge,” said Patrick Bonin, spokesperson of Greenpeace. The organization, like the PQ, the CAQ and Québec solidaire, proposes instead that the president and the vice-president of the BAPE should be chosen by the national Assembly, as the Auditor general, for example.

Nature Québec is also of this opinion. “It is a little curious and surprising to see that there was absolutely no consideration of this opinion. We definitely did not want BAPE to be involved in the decision of the minister. It shows a lack of confidence,” said Christian Simard, director general.

He deplores the fact that the population is now “fait accompli”. “It’s bungling. Is there way to put the toothpaste in the tube ? This would be desirable. There’s a way to complete this reform made on the sly,” said Mr. Simard, who wants a de-politicisation of the appointment process.