Report - Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale

Chapter 6 Social acceptance of the project
Between fairness and solidarity
The Panel was in a position to take the full measure of the extent of opposition to the
project in the area under consideration. This included the genuine concerns and
anxieties noted among many citizens about their security, their quality of life and the
value of their assets in relation to the project’s potential risks. The Panel also
observed concerns among many residents of Lévis, Beaumont and île d’Orléans
regarding the possible impacts of the project on the area’s landscape and the region’s
cultural heritage. By the same token, the Panel also took note of the widespread
support, both regionally and nationally, for the project on account of its economic
benefits for the majority. As far as its compatibility with the character of the area
chosen for its construction is concerned, the Panel was able to fully assess
reservations expressed by participants both from the south shore and île d’Orléans.
Once all of this is taken into account, the obvious dilemma related to the project is echoed
in the two values entrenched in Quebec’s Sustainable Development Act, namely, fairness
and solidarity. Opposition by a majority of the community living in proximity to the project
is mainly based on apprehension about risks and the fact that they would be the first to
bear the brunt of potential consequences. From this standpoint, an argument based on
the principle of fairness would support giving predominant weight to this community’s
position in regard to the acceptability of the project.
However, extending this approach on a society-wide basis would have the
disadvantage of making the conduct of public affairs difficult, if not impossible. This is
because the significance of socioeconomic activities (facilities and institutions) to the
greater public interest could outweigh local or regional resistance.
By the same standard, national, regional and local support for the project derives its
legitimacy from the advantages anticipated in terms of employment, spin-offs, and
economic development. From this viewpoint, the principle of solidarity could be
invoked in support of the project. That said, applying the principle of solidarity must
also take into account the principle of fairness in regard to specific regional and local
interests and concerns.
It is certainly not possible to ensure equal sharing of the advantages and
disadvantages of a project at all times and in the society as a whole. But in a
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