In Quebec, opposition mounts against a pipeline project that doesn't exist
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'I think there is a fixation on pipelines on (Prime Minister Mark) Carney's part at the moment, not on the part of Quebecers,' said Bloc Québécois MP and former Greenpeace activist Patrick Bonin.
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Since taking office in May, Bonin has mentioned the pipeline issue more than 20 times in his speeches on the floor of the House of Commons.
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'We will not allow the government to build a pipeline through Quebec,' he said on Monday.
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According to Bonin, the prime minister is 'rolling out the red carpet for the oil companies' by meeting with some 20 CEOs in Calgary the day before his meeting with the premiers in Saskatoon and by hoping to speed up environmental assessments.
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Since the election, Carney has spoken cautiously about 'conventional energy' infrastructure and has repeatedly stated that no decisions have been made at this stage regarding the major projects he wants to see come to fruition.
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But he did take a step further on Wednesday, feeding Bonin's worst fears.
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'The consensus that's required includes a consensus with the Indigenous people. We will stand with Indigenous Canadians, we will build pipelines and energy infrastructure in this great country,' Carney said on the floor of the House of Commons.
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In Quebec, many politicians remain on the edge of their seats.
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'Any pipeline project, any kind, is bad for the environment, bad for the economy, bad for Quebec,' said Ruba Ghazal, the Quebec solidaire House leader at the National Assembly.
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'If the premier doesn't want to completely shut the door on a pipeline project, can he at least ensure that environmental sovereignty is defended?' she asked.
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Quebec Premier François Legault seemed baffled by the question the day after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith appeared resigned about the prospect of a pipeline through Quebec, saying she would have more success with a corridor between Hudson Bay and Prince Rupert.
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'The leader of Québec solidaire is getting excited about something that doesn't exist,' replied Legault. 'There is currently no project that is taking place in Quebec.'
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Global News
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National Post
an hour ago
- National Post
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National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Unlimited online access to National Post. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors 'As a Canadian citizen and someone who served this country with pride and dignity, I now find myself feeling ashamed. My service not only brought danger to my family but has also ruined my entire family's life,' he wrote in letters to Mark Carney and Lena Diab last week. 'During my service, I saved many lives of soldiers in the line of duty. Now, when it comes to my family, I find myself facing a wall of silence. Is this not a slap in the face for my services to Canada?' his letters ask. Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. 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Montreal Gazette
2 hours ago
- Montreal Gazette
EMSB joins legal challenge to stop Quebec's school budget cuts
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