Quebec premier under pressure over $7-billion Northvolt battery plant

By The Canadian Press on September 24, 2024.

MONTREAL – 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.

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 this afternoon.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 24, 2024.

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