2021-2022
In October 2021, Premier François Legault announced the end of hydrocarbon exploitation in Quebec. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Jonatan Julien, argued that it would be irresponsible not to offer financial compensation to affected companies, which had invested in good faith under favorable legislation. Julien confirmed that his ministry was preparing a bill to ban hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation throughout Quebec territory, aligned with carbon neutrality goals by 2050 and the promotion of electric vehicles.
In December 2021, François Legault expressed his desire to minimize compensation to companies that had invested in hydrocarbon exploitation, despite his announcement to end this activity. Prepared to bear the costs of legal proceedings, Legault insists on the need to manage this transition well so as not to discourage future investments in other sectors.
The Quebec government moved forward with ending hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, making the province the first in North America to renounce this energy source in April 2022. The oil industry, represented by the Association de l'énergie du Québec (AEQ), threatened to sue the government, deeming the proposed compensation of 100 million dollars as insufficient compared to investments of over 500 million dollars.
In December 2022, the first hearing concerning the challenge to the law ending hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in Quebec was held before the Quebec Superior Court. Eleven companies, including Ressources Utica, are contesting the constitutionality of this law, claiming compensation, with Utica demanding 18 billion dollars.
In February 2022, Éric Tétreault, spokesperson for the gas exploration industry in Quebec, advocated for shale gas exploitation to meet growing energy demand. He stated that renewable energies, such as wind and solar, could not be reliable solutions on their own.
In April 2022, Quebec adopted a law ending hydrocarbon research and exploitation, with compensation of 100 million dollars for the companies concerned, far below the 500 million requested.