The heat is rising for Quebec Premier François Legault as opposition parties demand answers about his government’s investment in the planned Northvolt battery factory near Montreal.
Opposition leaders at the Quebec legislature on Tuesday called on the government to be more transparent about its agreement with the Swedish manufacturer for the $7-billion project.
Get breaking National news
The demands come following news that Northvolt is laying off 1,600 employees in Sweden, totalling one-fifth of its workforce.
A total of $710 million in provincial public funds have already been committed to the project, including a $240-million loan to help Northvolt buy the land about 30 kilometres east of Montreal to build its plant.
Economy Minister Christine Fréchette told reporters this afternoon that the Northvolt layoffs don’t affect the project in Quebec, which she said remains a priority for the company.
The Parti Québécois on Monday requested an emergency debate in the legislature on the issue, but the Speaker rejected the request Tuesday afternoon.
- Industry experts question Saab’s pitch to bring 10,000 jobs to Canada
- U.S. national security strategy warns of ‘civilizational erasure’ in Europe
- Carney, Trump and Sheinbaum talk trade in Washington at FIFA World Cup draw
- Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney says politician recall legislation being misused
Comments