As part of the Plan pour une économie verte ("Plan for a Green Economy") 2030, the Québec government is granting a financial contribution of $7,637,975 to Tarquti Energy Inc. (Tarquti) to continue supporting Nunavik communities in their energy transition.
Mr. Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, minister responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region; Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Laurentides region; the Minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit, Mr. Ian Lafrenière; and the MNA for Ungava and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Public Security, Denis Lamothe, made the announcement today.
Valued at over $24.1 million for five years, these initiatives aim to reduce fossil fuel electricity generation and builduig heating in Nunavik communities by at least 50%, with a goal of up to 100%, through capacity building, community engagement, and project studies as part of a global Inuit approach. This objective reflects the government's desire to reduce fossil fuel dependence on Quebec's off-grid systems through renewable energy projects.
Quotes:
"Tarquti's project is in line with our efforts to accelerate the energy transition and reduce the use of fossil fuels. Initiatives like this one will ensure consistent decarbonization across Quebec. "
Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region
"This project is a catalyst in the transition to clean, renewable energies. I am delighted with this collaboration between our government and Nunavik, which is essential both to empowering communities as well as achieving Quebec's climate goals. "
Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Laurentides region.
"First Nations and Inuit communities stand as the frontline witnesses to the impacts of climate change. Every day, they confront this reality. Through this initiative, the Inuit of Nunavik will diminish their reliance on fossil fuels, assuming control over their energy shift. These tangible efforts exemplify collaborative actions to support our planet and foster beneficial socio-economic outcomes. "
Ian Lafrenière, Minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit
"Involving the population, as well as local and regional leaders, at every stage of a renewable energy project ensures its acceptability. Tarquti's initiative is important for the Nunavik region. "
Denis Lamothe, MNA for Ungava and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Public Security
"Tarquti subsidiary's activities demonstrate our commitment to spearheadind the energy transition in Nunavik. Tarquti, in partnership with landholding corporations, gives us greater control over the development of our land, while respecting the environment."
Pita Aatami, President of Makivvik
"Tarquti is a great source of inspiration for Nunavik. They develop renewable energy projects according to every community's interests and terms, and ensures that all socio-economic spin-offs from the projects benefit our members."
Kulu Tukalak, President of Ilagiisaq
Highlights:
- An $8 million government grant was awarded to Tarquti in 2022 to support the development of energy planning for Nunavik's off-grid communities, as well as environmental, engineering and feasibility studies related to renewable energy projects. The Quebec government's supplementary contribution will expand the project's reach, incorporating three additional communities alongside the initial five. Tarquti is tasked with conducting studies for these newly included communities.
- Tarquti is a joint venture between Makivvik and Ilagiisaq (Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec) whose mission is to take charge of the transition to clean, renewable energies for each of Nunavik's communities.
- In 2020, the Quebec government adopted a plan for a green economy, the Plan pour une économie verte 2030. It aims to contribute to Quebec's target of a 37.5% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, compared with 1990 levels, and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
- In Action 1.10.1.1 of the Plan de mise en œuvre 2023-2028 (Implementation Plan) for the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy, the government aims to support off-grid communities in implementing renewable energy projects. In addition, an amount of $25 million over five years was earmarked in the 2020-2021 budget to encourage the energy transition of off-grid systems.
- The renewable energy projects implemented by Tarquti in Nunavik will contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy in Hydro-Québec's off-grid power supply.
