Quebec’s New Minority Government: Environmental And Resources Policies And Priorities

On September 4, 2012, Quebec's voters elected a minority Parti Québécois (PQ) government led by Pauline Marois. The PQ is proposing a number of changes to the province's environmental and natural resources policies and priorities. The new government was sworn in on September 19 and has already implemented some changes. This bulletin provides a preview of what may lie ahead.

When in opposition, the PQ was very critical of the previous government's resource development and environmental policies. The PQ's election platform sets out extensive commitments on the resource development issues and provides some insight into policies that the government may seek to implement. That said, it is important to keep in mind that the PQ only holds a minority of seats in the National Assembly, which may mean that its ambitious goals notwithstanding, many of the proposed changes may never see the light of day.