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Quebec Liberal Leadership Candidates Open to Revisiting Fossil-Fuel Projects

During the first leadership debate, frontrunners emphasized energy independence and environmental standards as key to modernizing the party's economic platform.

Quebec Liberal Party leadership candidates, from left, Marc Belanger, Mario Roy, Charles Milliard, Pablo Rodriguez and Karl Blackburn pose for a photograph following the Quebec Liberal Party French-language leadership debate in Laval, Que., Saturday, May 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Overview

  • Quebec Liberal leadership candidates discussed the possibility of oil and gas projects to enhance energy independence during the first debate in Laval.
  • Karl Blackburn advocated for considering fossil-fuel projects, citing a shifting geopolitical landscape and reliance on U.S. energy routes as risks.
  • Pablo Rodriguez supported exploring east-west pipelines but stressed the need for environmental compliance and social acceptability for any projects.
  • Charles Milliard expressed openness to energy development while noting that no significant fossil-fuel proposals are currently under consideration.
  • The candidates also debated the future of Quebec's cap-and-trade program, with most frontrunners supporting its continuation to balance economic and environmental goals.