Christine Fréchette claims more Quebecers are warming up to fracking

Christine Fréchette, the leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec party, asserts that a growing number of Quebecers are becoming more accepting of fracking, particularly in the context of trade tensions with the United States. The statement comes as shale gas has been raised during the Quebec election campaign, with the Quebec Conservatives advocating for the use of fossil fuels to stimulate the economy.

Fréchette's comments were in response to a report by La Presse, which cited its own survey indicating that support for fracking has increased if the practice is utilized as a means to achieve autonomy from American markets. The CAQ, under the leadership of former Premier François Legault, imposed a ban on the exploration and production of shale gas in 2022.

During the party leadership race in the spring, Fréchette expressed openness to reconsidering shale gas development in Quebec. At a news conference in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Fréchette commented on the evolving perception of fracking in the province. While she acknowledged a shift in perspective among Quebecers, she emphasized that the level of openness alone is insufficient to warrant consideration of moving forward with fracking.

Fréchette suggested that social acceptance would also need to be factored in before making a final decision.