Participation, presentation and review - Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment - page 173

The information-feedback phase began with a helicopter tour over the affected area
given to members of the Inuit working group. It continued with numerous meetings in
which the Native peoples voiced their concerns in greater detail about the project and its
diverse components. Thematic workshops focused on specific subjects such as
employment and training for Native peoples.
In the information-consultation phase, members of the Inuit working groups flew over
the sector chosen for the new Petite Riviére de la Baleine diversion option, which had
been devised in response to concerns expressed in the earlier phases. The working group
also flew over the La Grande complex, where members took a close look at a section of
river where the flow of water had been reduced. During workshops, specific problems,
such as impacts on the beluga whales and increased mercury levels were examined in
greater deptb. Hydro-Québec provided detailed data on all aspects of the project and gave
updates on studies then in progress.
To keep the rest of the Quebec population informed, Hydro-Québec held meetings
with a cross section of groups and organizations, took part in public meetings, and
distributed information bulletins. Once again, interested parties were given the
opportunity to express their concerns about the project. These activities were part of a
national communication campaign in the print media and on radio in which the public
was invited to request more information by calling a toll-free number.
In addition, following Parliamentary Commission hearings in May 1990, Hydro-
Québec worked with the Quebec government to establish a framework for public
consultation that was designed to integrate the expectations and concerns of Quebec
society into its proposed development plan. The opinions expressed in 47 meetings with
75 groups were made public in November 1992, when a new development plan proposal
was tabled.
Internationally, Hydro-Québec undertook information campaigns in the northeastern
United States and Europe after various groups took positions based on
erroneous data and the New York Times published a one-page advertisement in the fall of
1991 that was quite biased and took an unfavourable stance on the Grande-Baleine
project. Hydro-Québec held conferences, organized visits to the La Grande complex, took
part in college and university debates, set up a toll-free line in Vermont, and opened
information offices in New York and Brussels. In February 1992, Hydro-Québec
successfully defended the Grande-Baleine project and its assessment procedure before the
International Water Tribunal in Amsterdam…
From the outset…Hydro-Québec has responded to thousands of questions from
journalists and organized numerous news conferences and visits to James Bay. In its
efforts to prevent the Grande-Baleine project from becoming a symbol of conflict
between environmental protection and economic development Hydro-Québec has
endeavoured to clarify the facts, set the record straight, and explain the complex issues
involved. If the Grande-Baleine project is approved, Hydro-Québec will show the same
commitment to maintaining open channels of communication and dialogue during the
construction and operational phases. The utility will also remain in close contact with the
communities concerned…