Quebec party leaders debate fracking on campaign trail
Fracking in Quebec returns to the campaign spotlight as leaders clash on energy policy See where each party stands on shale gas, clean energy, and the fight ahead
Fracking emerged as a campaign issue in Quebec on Saturday as party leaders responded to renewed debate over shale gas development. Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette said she thinks public attitudes may be shifting, though she said any move forward would still need social acceptance and clear rules.
The CAQ banned shale gas exploration and production in 2022, but the topic has returned during the election campaign. The Quebec Conservatives support fossil fuel development as part of economic growth, while Québec Solidaire, the Liberals and the Parti Québécois remain opposed and argue for more focus on clean energy.
Elsewhere on the campaign trail, Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime joined a protest against the proposed Alto highspeed rail project, while Québec Solidaire cospokesperson Ruba Ghazal took part in a march calling for action on violence against women. Liberal leader Charles Milliard delayed a planned event after a local incident at a country music festival.