Mr. Speaker, I mentioned earlier that, for first nations, decisions must be made with the next seven generations in mind. This idea motivates young people. With all due respect, I would like to suggest this: Perhaps we should replace you in your role as Speaker with an 18-year-old man or woman to remind us of the importance of this mindset. That would be an important symbol. In addressing the Chair, we would also be addressing the next seven generations. Perhaps this would make us aware of how important it is to think about the future, about the young people of tomorrow.
In committing this injustice, the government also made a decision. It decided to axe a tax program that was designed to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels. As we know, the most effective means are coercive means, and the carbon tax was another way to make people think about tomorrow, the future and our planet. Are all environmental policies perfect? The answer is no, and that is normal. However, the Quebec government's carbon exchange has been going on for a dozen years now. That means it is a success; it must be rewarded.
Some progress depends on developing technology, so it makes sense to revisit our policies. Decisions can change or evolve. I am from a remote region, so I understand the challenges of electric vehicles. Keeping hybrid vehicles around a little longer makes sense to me. That is one of the adjustments we can look at. Expanding our network of charging stations and working on making them available everywhere is certainly part of the solution. Basically, some challenges demand adaptation. We have to do it with an awareness of where we are going.
Climate change is no joke. It is real. Building more pipelines and relying more on natural gas will not improve the fate of our planet.
Quebec has been a pioneer. We set up a cap‑and‑trade system for greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change in 2013. This system was then linked to California's system in 2014 to create North America's largest carbon market. Not everything is perfect, but we are steadily moving in the right direction. This carbon market has helped Quebec show that it is possible to cut greenhouse gas emissions while having minimal impact on consumers' wallets. However, instead of being rewarded, Quebec is now being punished for adopting a forward‑thinking and responsible climate policy.
Canada's willingness to abandon its climate policies will also have an impact on market diversification. While we are told that our dependence on the United States is harmful, Europe is moving toward greener policies and carbon pricing. The European Union plans to impose a carbon adjustment mechanism starting in 2026 and 2027. This policy will allow certain products from countries with no or low industrial carbon pricing to be taxed at the border, similar to customs duties. As a result, Quebec products such as aluminum, iron and steel could be slapped with new customs duties because of Canada's inaction.
In conclusion, we need a climate policy that recognizes and respects Quebec's efforts. By penalizing Quebeckers, who contributed to this rebate, Ottawa is sending the message that being at the forefront of climate action is not a good thing.
This debate is not just a matter of fairness; it is a matter of respect for the Quebec nation and its choices.