The anchoring of primary aluminum production by hydraulic resources in Quebec’s periphery
Moving between two peripheries of Quebec, from the Mauricie to the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, Alcan realized a double paradigm shift that explains its secular anchoring in Quebec for aluminum production. In addition to moving away from the simple acquisition of electricity through long-term contracts with electricity producers, Alcan not only acquired imposing hydraulic rights but also gradually extended its hold over the entire Saguenay hydrographic basin. Indeed, it is the only company in Quebec that has been able to set up and control three gigantic water storage reservoirs that are normally under state control. Despite Quebec’s efforts since the beginning of the twentieth century to increase its control over the use of hydraulic resources—by transitioning from assigning full ownership rights to leasing rights—Alcan’s hydraulic rights have been maintained through legislative amendments in 1984 and 2006, virtually returning to the tenure system that prevailed in the nineteenth century.