Paper short abstract:

In 1970, Québec announced the “Project of the Century”, the biggest hydro development in the western world. A strong example of high modernism? New public bodies took control of the project, inspired by ultra-liberal models implemented in the first part of the 20th century by the private sector.

Paper long abstract:

When Robert Bourassa, Premier of Quebec, announced the “Project of the Century” in 1970, it was the biggest hydroelectric development in the Western World. Analysis of the model implemented in James Bay leads to the conclusion that Quebec was in fact inspired by previous models of gigantic private hydroelectric developments in other regions, namely Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (SLSJ) and the province of Newfoundland. Three principles were implemented: the government was directly involved in strategic decision making; the integration of municipal powers to support the enormous project; the control over all natural resources (and not only hydraulic forces), all with free rein, away from any compromising standards in terms of land use and environmental protection. High modernism at its best?

Techniques previously used by Alcan, a multinational corporation, with total control over “company towns” were reproduced by a public organization taking control of a vast land. A municipality with unique characteristics was established on a municipal territory that became the largest in Quebec. For thirty years, the board of directors of the Société de développement de la baie James (SDBJ), whose members were appointed by the government, replaced the municipal council in order to preside over the management of a territory covering nearly a quarter of the total area of the province. The vast territory was completely extruded from the existing municipalities to ensure no interference from democratic voice. This political structure made possible the smooth advancement of harnessing unparalleled hydraulic resources, despite strong protests from the Cree first Nation.