New legal action against Northwalt

The Quebec Center for Environmental Law (CQDE) on Friday filed its first request for judicial review with the Supreme Court to halt construction of the $7 billion Northvolt electric vehicle battery plant, Radio-Canada reports.

This is the second attempt for CQDE after failing to secure an order to stop logging and filling wetlands in January.

Attorneys represent two residents from McMasterville and St. Basile-le-Grand, who are hoping a more in-depth analysis will uphold their case this time.

According to the plaintiffs, the Minister of Environmental Protection made an unreasonable decision with an analysis showing flaws.

They argue that Charette approved Northwalt's plan to compensate for the destruction of wetlands without knowing the details.

Within 36 months, the Swedish company must submit in writing an official environmental conservation plan for 30 to 50 hectares outside the project area.

This is in addition to the $4.7 million in financial compensation the company paid the government for the loss of 13 hectares of wetlands.

The first hearing will be held on March 15.