François Legault's Free Pipeline

Quebec is so virtuous that we are one of the few nations in the world to have renounced enrichment on principle.

Quebec is against hydrocarbons! We have hydroelectricity. There's no question of checking whether there's oil on Anticosti. The failed shale gas episode had already done the job.

It took Donald Trump's threats to shift public opinion, and Prime Minister Legault with it. Why not a pipeline that leads to Sept-Îles?

New deal

François Legault did not really explain why he changed his mind, except that 55% of Quebecers are now in favor of a pipeline to the East.

The real tipping point appears to be the Prime Minister's sudden pro-Canada move in the face of Donald Trump's economic threats.

No more dirty oil! Suddenly, we understand Alberta's campaign (rightly so) to free itself from its dependence on the American market. Mark Carney's plan to launch major pan-Canadian projects is being hailed as a miracle solution.

Andrew Scheer's much-maligned energy corridor has become the brainchild of the new prime minister in Ottawa.

Balance of power

Good for the Canadian economy. But what's surprising is how quickly François Legault backed down from negotiating his support for such a project.

What does he ask in return for his support for a pipeline or gas pipeline that crosses our territory?

He will be excused for having relinquished full powers over immigration. But what is THE major structuring project for the future of Quebec that Ottawa will have to support in return for the famous energy corridor?

History has shown us that with pipelines, the devil is in the details. If François Legault truly wants to put all his eggs in the basket of this great Canadian project, he will have to demonstrate that it benefits Quebec. So far, we're still looking for the much-vaunted gains.