Montréal, January 26, 2026 -The Court of Québec recently upheld the decision of the Commission d’accès à l’information (Access to information commission, or CAI) in the case involving citizen Brigitte Watson and developer Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited concerning information about the proposed commercial and residential project in Fairview Forest, Pointe-Claire.
As a reminder, the citizen, who is particularly concerned about the protection of endangered species, has been requesting access to the developer’s application for ministerial authorization and all related documents since June 2021. Faced with heavily redacted documents, she had to file a challenge with the CAI. This led to a debate in court over various obstacles hindering access to information in this case.
A first round was won in July 2024, when the CAI confirmed in its decision that it is up to the ministry to decide whether or not to disclose the location of threatened or vulnerable species, but also that the ministry is not obliged to send official notices to all of the developer’s consultants, only to the developer itself. Contested by the developer, this decision has just been upheld by the Court of Québec.
“I am very happy and relieved to finally have a definitive court ruling confirming access to the information I requested in 2021 concerning Fairview Forest, which many citizens want to see protected. The CQDE supported me every step of the way with unwavering commitment, solidarity, and rigour to help me defend my right as a citizen to access information. Without their help, this victory would never have been possible. I would like to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude for all they have accomplished,” said Brigitte Watson.
», Brigitte Watson.
“This decision is more good news for access to environmental information,” said Marc Bishai, a lawyer with the CQDE. “However, it reminds us of the glaring absence of a public register for access to environmental information, which has been required by law for eight years and could have avoided this lengthy legal battle.”
In 2024, the CQDE sued the Québec government for its failure to put this public environmental information register online, even though it is already required by law. The register would ease the administrative burden associated with processing access to information requests within the ministry and would facilitate procedures that currently place a disproportionate burden on citizens. The hearing will take place on February 23, 2026, before the Superior Court of Québec.
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To learn more about the absence of an environmental information register
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