During Question Period at the Quebec National Assembly, Marie-Claude Nichols, independent MNA for Vaudreuil, called on Benoît Charrette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP), to be more open and collaborative with the population and towns affected by the development of the regulatory framework for new flood zone mapping.

For the MP, the Minister's lack of flexibility and willingness to listen has serious consequences for those affected, who feel a profound sense of injustice. In Vaudreuil-Dorion, for example, the Minister cannot allow the owners of nearly 2,000 homes to experience such anguish,” said Marie-Claude Nichols. A house is the investment of a lifetime, and this bill could mean a big loss for many of our residents. The Minister needs to show more flexibility, listen to the public and, above all, work with the municipalities, who are in the best position to assess the risks on the ground. ”

The MP is also concerned about the possibility that these homeowners may no longer be eligible for home insurance and, consequently, a mortgage. According to Marie-Claude Nichols, the CAQ cannot adopt a wall-to-wall approach to this bill.

“Each territory has its own particularities that must be taken into account," she says in a press release.

The issue of the presence of numerous municipal buildings, schools, seniors' residences and even the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion's water treatment plant was also raised by the MP.

She also asked the Minister to be more open to the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion's proposal to build a dike to prevent these sensitive areas from being affected in the event of major flooding. According to the MP, the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion was refused by the Minister.

This is nonsense for the MNA, who believes that “ the Minister needs to get into collaboration mode with Quebec municipalities so that everyone is working in the same direction in the face of the enormous challenge of adapting to climate change”.

Unsatisfied with the Minister's evasive answers, the MP for Vaudreuil intends to continue her efforts to ensure that the voice of her constituents is heard in Quebec City, and that the necessary changes are made to this bill, which is ill-suited to the reality of her region.

She also joins the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges in calling on the government to review the regulatory framework for flood-prone areas. For Ms. Nichols, “it is essential to leave room for adaptation and risk mitigation, to encourage resilience research for existing homes and buildings, and to recognize the implementation of regional risk management plans.”