On November 4th, 2020, Dawson students gathered on zoom to attend the DSU`s fall 2020 General Assembly. Clubs and members were encouraged to submit resolutions on socio-political positions they would want their union to implement. A resolution presented by Green Earth Club on the union's placement regarding the GNL Quebec Project was adopted unanimously by the students present.
Following this resolution’s passing, the Dawson Student Union`s Executive Committee decided to further take action on this critical issue at its regular meeting. The GNL Quebec project is a 782-kilometre long gas pipeline from northeastern Ontario to Saguenay: the most significant industrial project in the province’s history. Not only will this natural gas liquefaction plant generate 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, which is equivalent to 60% of Quebec’s annual greenhouse gas emissions (1), but it will also hurt endangered wildlife in the area (2).
The executive committee positioned itself and 48 other student associations, favouring an immediate halt of the GNL Quebec project. Further, in light of our recent joining to the CASAQ (Coalition of the Anglophone Student Association of Quebec) climate plan, we believe that it is even more important to formalize our position on this project. We would ask that elected officials put an end to this project, which will have devastating repercussions on the environment.
*This statement, along with the Green Earth club's resolution, has been sent to BAPE (Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement) and government officials.
Signed,
Kevin Contant-Holowatyj (Chairperson)
Alexandrah Cardona (Deputy Chairperson)
Noah Lemaire (Treasurer)
Leana Ramirez (Director of Internal Affairs and Advocacy)
Valeria Sygal (Director of External Affairs)
Amélie Chornet (Director of Clubs and Services)
Nicole Vega Rivas (Director of Student Life)
Sarah Bensemana (Director of Sustainability)
Danahé Orduna Martinez (Director of Mobilization and Communication)