Bill 69: Quebec government invokes closure to pass energy bill

The government’s patience has reached its limit: it is invoking a gag order to force the rapid adoption of Bill 69 on energy.

For several days now, the government has been laying the groundwork for the adoption, invoking closure for the bill, which aims to give Hydro-Québec free rein to increase its electricity production. Investments of nearly $200 billion are planned between now and 2035.

Energy Minister Christine Fréchette argued that its rapid adoption will save $6 billion on the wind energy strategy, estimated at $30 billion.

Premier François Legault has promised the creation of “good jobs” if the bill is passed before the summer.

However, the opposition parties are highly critical of the bill, considering it poorly drafted. The PQ and Québec Solidarity have even called for its outright withdrawal.

Two weeks ago, Minister Fréchette tabled 52 amendments to modify her bill.

The government accuses the opposition of obstructing the legislative process.

Gagging is “a parliamentary procedure used by the government to limit the time spent debating a motion or bill and to speed up its adoption,” according to the National Assembly website.

The bill also aims to fulfil the government’s promise to limit residential electricity rate increases to a maximum of 3 per cent.

It will also allow a private company to sell its electricity to another and aims to simplify partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Bill 69 was introduced in June 2024 by Super Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon, before he resigned a few months later. Minister Christine Fréchette took over, but the legislative process for the bill has been an arduous one.

In December 2024, the minister cited Donald Trump and his threats of tariffs to justify the delays in moving the bill forward.

Last February, the official Liberal opposition delayed consideration of the bill, also citing the American president.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews