Quebec Solidaire wants oil companies to pay for environmental damage [Video]

Québec Solidaire (QS) is calling on the Quebec government to sue the big oil companies responsible for the damage caused by climate change.

QS argues that oil giants like Shell, Suncor, Valero, and Exxon have misled the public by downplaying the climate risks posed by fossil fuels and, as a result, must pay for the damage.

Ruba Ghazal, who will be named QS co-spokesperson this week, said increasing extreme weather activity have cost the government billions. For example, massive forest fires cost Quebec $13 billion, draughts cost Hydro-Quebec $1 billion and the government spent $2.5 billion in the aftermath of storm Debby.

“All political parties say it will cost a lot to deal with the catastrophic effects of climate change, and we’re asking ‘Who will pay that bill?’” Ghazal told CTV News.

“It’s not for the Quebecers to pay the bill of the consequences of climate change, but for these …