The leader of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) Charles Milliard has expressed openness to nuclear power but is “more reluctant” regarding shale gas development. He believes, however, that priority should be given first and foremost to the development of hydroelectric, solar, and wind power projects.
According to Milliard, if the government wants to generate more revenue, “we need an economic ‘yes’ in Quebec.”
“We must be open to different projects,” he said during a press scrum following a speech before the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM) on Friday.
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Shale gas extraction in Quebec is not, “for the time being,” among the projects the Liberal leader would promote if he became premier.
“I don’t think Quebecers are there yet. Other parties have raised this issue. And for now, I’d like us to focus on hydroelectric projects, wind projects, and solar projects. There’s a lot to be done to generate more energy in Quebec,” Milliard said.
“When it comes to shale gas, I’m much more reluctant, because I truly believe Quebecers aren’t on board at all. Laws have been passed to slow down, halt exploration, and obviously stop production. So, it’s not at the top of my priorities,” the Liberal leader added later.
When asked whether he supported a return to nuclear energy in Quebec, Milliard did not rule it out.
“The role of the government, the role of decision-makers, is to be project developers. So, at this stage, I’m not opposed to nuclear power. I just think it’s not the priority right now,” he said, reiterating that renewable energy projects are on the table.
“But nuclear energy works very well in many countries. In fact, Canada has expertise in this area. It works very well in France, Germany, and the United States. So, it wouldn’t be my role to be against it at this stage,” Milliard continued.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
