Quebec Liberals calling for parliamentary commission on flood zones to protect homeowners
The Quebec Liberal Party is worried about what's happening to homes in flood zones and is calling for a parliamentary commission as more people are being affected by flooding.
In light of climate change and the major flooding the province saw in 2017 and 2019, Quebec is now working on redrawing its flood zone maps.
The Liberals say flood zones will inevitably be enlarged and that could end up affecting thousands of properties.
Liberal MNAs Michelle Setlakwe and Virginie Dufour are calling for a parliamentary commission to study the issue to make sure the process is transparent and to ensure there will be help for affected homeowners.
Desjardins Group recently decided to stop offering mortgages in some flood zones.
Setlakwe says she'd like to hear from various ministers involved, including environment, public security and municipal affairs, as well as from experts including banks and insurers.
"We want to make sure the process takes into consideration the realities on the ground. Some mayors are also very concerned for citizens and for the impact on the revenues coming in," said the Liberal MNA for Mont-Royal-Outremont.
"When you think about it, your home represents such an important part of your patrimony, all your savings and to find yourself in a situation where you can't contract a mortgage loan, you can't make changes, you can't sell, it's terrible."
CTV News also spoke to Erkan Yonder, an associate professor at the John Molson School of Business, who studies the effects of climate change on the real estate market. He says he supports the idea of a parliamentary commission because the risk and frequency of flooding and other natural disasters, such as wildfires, are only growing and many people could end up with homes with zero value.
"So these entities should come together and the governments should discuss with the lenders and insurance companies as well and they try to find ways to spread," he said. "If you leave it as it is then all of the burden will be on the homeowners in these risky locations."
The Quebec environment minister's office isn't saying if it will hold a parliamentary commission, but said there would be sufficient time between the adoption of the new flood maps and any new regulations coming into force, adding that there will also be a consultation period.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972801.1721660708!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
WATCH LIVE Secret Service director says Trump assassination attempt was biggest agency 'failure' in decades
The director of the Secret Service says the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump was the agency's 'most significant operational failure' in decades.
Hollywood reacts to Joe Biden exiting the U.S. presidential race
Hollywood was quick to react to the news that U.S. President Joe Biden was ending his bid for re-election and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
What to know about the Canadian ties of Kamala Harris, Biden's choice for successor
U.S. President Joe Biden is stepping aside as the Democratic candidate in that country's November election and throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris -- a Montreal-area high school graduate who spent several years in the city.
Canadian killed near Gaza border after threatening forces with knife: Israeli police
Israeli police say a Canadian citizen was killed Monday after threatening Israeli security forces with a knife near the Gaza border.
Markets bet on second Bank of Canada interest rate cut coming this week
Economists and market watchers are betting the Bank of Canada will deliver another interest rate cut this week amid mounting evidence that inflation is sustainably easing.
The pilot who died in crash after releasing skydivers near Niagara Falls has been identified
Officials on Sunday released the name of a pilot who died in a skydiving flight after her passengers jumped from the aircraft near the Niagara Falls.
Canadian musicians struggle to get visas to perform in the U.S., some cancel shows
Backlogs and processing delays of temporary U.S. visas required by entertainers, athletes and artists has forced some Canadian bands to cancel U.S. tour dates because paperwork wasn't processed in time.
Prince George is 11 -- see his birthday photo
Prince George has turned 11, and as per tradition his proud parents have released an official portrait to mark the occasion.
Harris looks to lock up Democratic nomination after Biden steps aside, reordering 2024 race
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris moved swiftly to lock up Democratic delegates behind her campaign for the White House after President Joe Biden stepped aside amid concerns from within their own party that he would be unable to defeat Donald Trump.