Christine Fréchette claims more Quebecers are warming up to fracking

During a news conference in Trois‑Rivières on Saturday, Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) leadership hopeful Christine Fréchette said she believes Quebecers are becoming more receptive to the idea of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, as the province grapples with trade tensions that have strained its relationship with the United States. Fréchette’s remarks came as the issue resurfaced on the campaign trail, prompting a fresh look at the province’s energy policy and its broader economic implications.

Fréchette’s remarks and the La Presse survey

Fréchette cited a recent La Presse survey that suggested a shift in public sentiment toward fracking, particularly when the practice is framed as a means of achieving greater autonomy from American markets. While the survey highlighted that Quebecers remain divided on the issue, it noted a measurable increase in support when the economic benefits of domestic shale gas production were emphasized. The CAQ leader used these findings to argue that the province’s electorate may be more open to reconsidering a policy that was firmly rejected just a few years ago.

She stressed that the observed shift, though modest, could signal a broader willingness to explore fossil‑fuel options as a way to bolster the provincial economy. “I think Quebecers have shifted their perspective a bit and I believe there’s greater openness to these possibilities,” Fréchette said, underscoring that any move forward would still require a solid base of social acceptance.

Historical context: the 2022 ban on shale gas

The CAQ, under former premier François Legault, imposed a ban on the exploration and production of shale gas in 2022. That decision reflected a broader provincial commitment to environmental stewardship and a desire to distance Quebec’s energy strategy from the more carbon‑intensive approaches taken elsewhere in Canada. The ban was widely supported by environmental groups and many urban voters who viewed fracking as a threat to water quality and ecosystems.

Since the ban, the province has focused on expanding renewable energy sources, particularly hydroelectric power, which already supplies the majority of Quebec’s electricity. The legacy of the 2022 prohibition, however, remains a point of contention within the CAQ, especially among members who argue that the province’s energy independence could be strengthened by diversifying into shale gas.

Economic arguments amid U.S. trade tensions

Fréchette’s comments arrived at a time when trade frictions with the United States have heightened concerns about Quebec’s reliance on cross‑border markets for energy and industrial inputs. The CAQ’s push to revisit shale gas is framed as a strategy to mitigate those risks by developing a domestic source of natural gas that could support local industry and reduce exposure to external price volatility.

Supporters of the proposal argue that a modest expansion of shale gas production could create jobs in remote regions, stimulate ancillary services, and generate additional tax revenue. They also point to the potential for lower energy costs for manufacturers, which could enhance Quebec’s competitiveness in sectors such as aerospace and mining.

Social acceptance and environmental concerns

Fréchette acknowledged that any reconsideration of fracking would need to be accompanied by broad social acceptance. She warned that the CAQ is not yet prepared to move forward without clear public backing, noting that “if we ever get to that point, there will also need to be social acceptance.” This caveat reflects the lingering apprehension among many Quebecers about the environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing.

Environmental groups have consistently warned that fracking poses risks to groundwater, induces seismic activity, and contributes to greenhouse‑gas emissions. The province’s strong environmental record, built on its extensive hydroelectric network and progressive climate policies, makes any shift toward fossil‑fuel extraction a politically sensitive proposition.

Political dynamics within the CAQ

The leadership race within the CAQ has foregrounded divergent views on energy policy. While former premier Legault’s administration took a firm stance against shale gas, several emerging leaders, including Fréchette, have signalled openness to revisiting the ban. This internal debate mirrors broader tensions within the party between its traditional conservative base, which favours resource development, and a more centrist faction that prioritises environmental stewardship.

Fréchette’s positioning on fracking could be interpreted as an attempt to differentiate herself from other leadership contenders by appealing to voters who are concerned about job creation and economic resilience. Her emphasis on the potential for increased autonomy from American markets aligns with a narrative of provincial self‑reliance that has resonated in past CAQ campaigns.

Implications for Quebec’s energy future

If the CAQ were to reconsider the 2022 ban, the province would need to develop a regulatory framework that addresses both environmental safeguards and community concerns. This could involve stricter water‑protection standards, mandatory monitoring of seismic activity, and transparent public consultation processes.

Such a framework would also have to reconcile Quebec’s climate commitments with any new fossil‑fuel development. Balancing the desire for economic diversification against the province’s ambition to reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions will be a central challenge for any future policy shift.

Looking ahead: voter sentiment and the election

As the Quebec election campaign progresses, the issue of fracking is likely to remain a point of contention, especially in regions where resource development could have tangible economic benefits. The La Presse survey suggests a nuanced shift in public opinion, but the overall division on the topic indicates that any policy change would require careful political navigation.

For now, Fréchette’s remarks serve as an early indicator that the CAQ is testing the waters on a potentially polarising issue. Whether this signals a genuine policy pivot or a strategic move to broaden electoral appeal will become clearer as the leadership race concludes and the party outlines its platform for the upcoming provincial election.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: Global News Canada; globalnews.ca; Global1.News (19 September 2026).

By Alex Thompson, Staff Writer