Quebec Premier Rejects Energy East Pipeline Revival

Quebec Premier François Legault has reiterated that there is 'no social acceptability' for the revival of the Energy East pipeline, despite interest from Alberta and Nova Scotia to boost Canada's energy exports in light of U.S. tariffs. The proposed pipeline would transport crude oil from Alberta to Saint John, New Brunswick, facilitating access to international markets. Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet firmly opposes any hydrocarbon transport across Quebec, emphasizing environmental concerns. Legault acknowledged that economic circumstances could shift public perception in the future, but currently, opposition to such projects remains strong in Quebec. The Energy East project, originally shelved in 2017, has faced significant regulatory and local resistance, particularly from environmental and Indigenous groups. As Canadian premiers call for the pipeline's revival to diversify energy trade, Legault's stance underscores the ongoing tensions between economic needs and local acceptance.