Report - Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale

Opinions of participants
Moreover, the “Not in My Backyard” syndrome was abundantly referred to as a reason
to explain the defence of interests from residents living nearby (Ms. Christina Jobin,
DM8, p. 1; Mr. Stéphane Labrie, DT16, p. 57). Viewed by many as being a pejorative
expression, several participants denounced the use of the “Not in My Backyard”
designation to describe their interests, which they believed was not representative of
their reality and the interests they defend (Ms. Marie-Pierre Fortier, DM640, p. 1;
Mr. Mario Fortier, DM572, p. 1; Mr. Yves St-Laurent, DM377, p. 20).
Sustainable development
For some participants, the integration of sustainable development principles is closely
linked to the project’s social acceptability. One participant added in this respect:
The proponents of the Rabaska LNG terminal project committed themselves
publicly many times […] to never impose their project and to work in harmony with
the population. This project is moving farther and farther away from social
acceptability and sustainable development principles.
(Ms. Céline Létourneau, DM594, p. 2)
One citizen challenged the sustainable aspect of the project: “In life, no one wants to
lose or sell their property for a project which doesn’t respect sustainable development
principles, as this is a vital and personal asset” (Ms. Gabrielle Larose, DM26, p. 2).
From the perspective of Québec solidaire, “the Rabaska project doesn’t fall within the
scope of sustainable development principles at all, as it doesn’t respect any of the
three pillars which are essential for this type of development, […] i.e. protecting the
environment, social justice and long-term economic viability” (DM466, p. 24). The
organization Vision développement durable was of the opinion that:
Having performed a detailed examination of a good many parameters which
characterize the development planned, it appears that the project to build an LNG
terminal at Lévis isn’t sustainable for at least three of the four essential
components of sustainable development, i.e. those of the society, of the
environment and of consistency.
(DM375, p. 15)
Consequently, some participants 1 wondered about the project’s degree of compliance
with sustainable development principles with respect to the future impacts of the
project, and because of its low degree of integration with social and environmental
aspects. One participant among others was of the opinion that the project must be
rejected because of the many uncertainties linked to safety and environmental impacts
on future generations (Mr. Marcel Gaudreault, DM585, p. 9). Some asked the Panel to
1. Québec solidaire, DM466, p. 2; Ms. Lise Thibault, DM436, p. 18; Ms. Suzanne Rochon, DM536, p. 6; Ms. Lise
Lachance, DM603, p. 6; Ms. Annie Marcoux and Mr. André Voros, DM631, p. 9; GIRAM, DM461, p. 94
66 Rabaska Project – Implementation of an LNG Terminal and Related Infrastructure