Proposal for a pipeline in northern Quebec dismissed as impractical by Bloc Québécois
In a revealing interview, Quebec Bloc MP Patrick Bonin expresses skepticism over Premier François Legault's proposal to build an oil pipeline in the northern Quebec territories. Bonin, a former spokesperson for Greenpeace Canada, dubs the idea "far-fetched" and doesn't see it gaining traction in Quebec.
"The Project Énergie Est in the south was rejected, and it's hard to believe a project in the north would be any different," Bonin told Le Devoir. He believes that the lack of enthusiasm for such projects in the past indicates they were not a priority, and even less so now given their potential environmental impact.
Legault suggests that this pipeline would help make Canadian western oil available to the European market via Sept-Îles. The MP, who represents Repentigny, which includes L'Assomption, where Legault won his provincial riding, plans to engage in discussions with the premier to understand the proposal's basis and to advocate against it.
Bonin also dismisses the argument that a pipeline would now be socially acceptable given the economic tensions and annexation threats from Donald Trump. However, recent polls suggest otherwise, with most Quebecers appearing to support the development of oil pipelines as tensions escalate.
Environmental concerns and a preference for clean energy have long been central to Quebec's political landscape. With its focus on hydroelectric power and environmental protection, investing in fossil fuel infrastructure has often met with resistance. Meanwhile, economic sovereignty and maintaining control over energy resources are also important considerations for the province.
This shift in Legault's discourse, from qualifying Alberta oil as "dirty oil" in 2018 to considering pipeline projects, seems to puzzle Bonin. As discussions around Quebec's infrastructure projects heat up, Bonin hopes that they will prioritize proposals promoting clean energy solutions over potential fossil fuel projects.
"With the ongoing debate about Quebec's infrastructure projects, MP Patrick Bonin, skeptical about Premier François Legault's oil pipeline proposal, encourages prioritization of clean energy solutions over potentially harmful fossil fuel projects, aligning with the province's historical focus on environmental protection."
"In the context of political policy-and-legislation, the shift in Legault's stance on Alberta oil, from calling it 'dirty oil' in 2018 to considering pipeline projects, raises questions among MP Bonin, underscoring the importance of general-news and crime-and-justice considerations in shaping the province's policy agenda."
