It's winter again—time to call-out Quebec for its blatant hypocrisy on energy.
The province's heavy reliance on Western Canadian oil and natural gas faces fresh political turbulence following a federal energy deal with Alberta that could significantly increase oil exports from the west coast in coming years.
The revenue would support Quebec through equalization payments and other factors.
Quebec has virtually no oil or natural-gas production and depends on outside suppliers. In recent years, about 43 to 50 per cent of crude processed in Quebec refineries came from Western Canada, delivered largely through the Enbridge Line 9 pipeline and by rail. Natural-gas distributors say roughly 30 per cent of Quebec’s supply originates in Alberta, with the remainder imported from the United States.
A memorandum of understanding, signed Nov. 27 by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Calgary, pledges federal backing for new oil pipelines, including potential routes through British Columbia, while easing clean energy regulations and emission caps on Alberta’s sector. The accord aims to boost exports amid U.S. trade pressures but has ignited federalism fights.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet lambasted Carney, calling the pact “federal overreach” that sets a dangerous precedent for imposing pipelines on unwilling provinces, including Quebec (House of Commons Hansard).
Blanchet voiced solidarity with B.C. Premier David Eby’s opposition, warning it could revive separatist sentiments. He vowed to block the deal in Parliament.
The uproar follows Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault’s resignation in protest, who decried it as a betrayal of climate commitments that bolsters Quebec separatism (La Presse).
Indigenous leaders and environmentalists also slammed the MOU for sidelining consultations (Assembly of First Nations Québec-Labrador resolution). Quebec imports most refined products via Enbridge Line 9B from Alberta (Enbridge; Valero Energy Québec).
Analysts say the deal could stabilize supplies but risks provincial vetoes, echoing past pipeline battles. Carney defended the accord as “Canada working,” positioning the country as a “global energy superpower” (PMO news conference).
Critics, including the Bloc, fear it erodes federal-provincial balance.