[3] The original project proposal would have involved constructing a sewage interceptor pipe on the river's bed for three kilometers, and for this reason the plan was opposed by local environmental groups.
[5] In March 1985, Finet signed a land-swap agreement with Pratt & Whitney Canada, a major employer in the region with which the city had previously had difficult relations.
[14] Finet launched an energy reduction campaign in April 1991, highlighted by a call for Hydro-Québec users to use energy-saving light bulbs, shower heads, and hot-water heaters.
He indicated that his priority would be to foster a "high-quality image" for the corporation while fighting what he described as a "smear campaign" from environmental and indigenous groups over its involvement in the proposed Great Whale River project.
[17] Shortly after his appointment, Finet defended Hydro-Québec's relations with Cree and Inuit communities affected by construction projects in northern Quebec.
[19] Shortly thereafter, Finet charged that the Grand Council of Crees was using environmental arguments as a "facade" to push for full control of natural resources.
Namagoose again dismissed Finet's statement, saying that the Cree were seeking shared control of natural resources in accordance with the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
[20] The International Water Tribunal ultimately issued a non-binding ruling calling for the Great Whale project to be halted pending completion of an environmental review.
[25] His platform called for a municipal tax freeze, the creation of an economic development office, establishing an arts and cultural center to serve the South Shore, and quality-of-life committees for all the city's neighbourhoods.