Government of Quebec invests $5 million in Gatineau plant to combat climate change

Tashi Farmilo

The Government of Quebec is intensifying efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a $5 million financial assistance package for Produits forestiers Résolu’s Gatineau plant. The investment was announced by Mathieu Lévesque, Member of Parliament for Chapleau and Deputy House Leader, on behalf of Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, and Minister responsible for the Laurentides region.

The project aims to significantly reduce the plant's natural gas usage by more than 7.3 million cubic metres per year, resulting in an estimated reduction of over 13,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually—the equivalent of taking more than 3,800 cars off the road. This initiative is a key component of Quebec's 2030 Green Economy Plan.

"With the Green Economy Plan, our government has provided the necessary means to support local businesses so that they can fully contribute to Quebec's climate and energy transition," said Minister Benoit Charette. "Projects like the one at Produits forestiers Résolu’s Gatineau plant are helping us sustainably transform our economy and move closer to achieving our climate goals."

This investment is part of the Bioenergy program, a critical element in Quebec's strategy to combat climate change and encourage renewable energy adoption. The program, with a budget of nearly $360 million from 2024 to 2029, supports businesses in implementing sustainable and energy-efficient technologies.

Mathieu Lévesque underscored the importance of this funding for the region, stating, "I am delighted with this $5 million investment for the Produits forestiers Résolu plant in Gatineau. It will allow the plant to continue its work on renewable and smart energy projects, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This assistance shows our government's commitment to prioritizing climate action and supporting the energy transition in Gatineau, Chapleau, and Outaouais."

Richard Tremblay, President of the Pulp and Tissue Business Unit at Produits forestiers Résolu, also highlighted the environmental benefits of the project. "This investment, made in collaboration with the Government of Quebec, enables us to reduce our carbon footprint here in Gatineau. With better-adapted equipment, we will reduce natural gas usage and eliminate 13,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. This project is part of our broader commitment to analyze and reduce GHG emissions across our company."