It’s not initially obvious until you think about it, but the debate in Quebec has moved on to a new phase. The debate is no longer IF Quebec should produce hydrocarbons but HOW. Recent legislation on water laws has shown all three major parties are in favor and the issue no longer is if Quebec… Continue reading »
Jun
12
(+5 rating, 5 votes)
Loading ...May
22
Where is everybody?
We have heard for a long time that modern natural gas development in the St. Lawrence Valley is different because this is one of the most populated areas in Quebec. We heard it again as bill 37 was introduced for a new moratorium. But if that’s true where are they all? I have met with… Continue reading »
Apr
26
Earth Day Resolution
Questioning the premise of Earth Day is not permitted in polite company. So I hope no one will be disappointed in this blog. Though I hope its not because you are surprised I try to be patient and polite. Speaking of politeness one exuberant Earth Day celebrant tweeted to me “if only that BASTARD @mrbinnion… Continue reading »
Apr
23
More than I thought
The independent Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI) recently released an economic impact study of the Utica natural gas discovery in Quebec. In my last blog “Quebec Development penalized” I suggested that Quebec should, temporarily at least, be allowed to keep more of the benefits of resource development. I suggested a reform of equalization along the… Continue reading »
Apr
08
Quebec Development Penalized
The Minister of Finance for Quebec issued his economic and financial update on March 28,2013. He says there is basically no problem because a loss of tax and royalty revenue is offset by increases in equalization. It seems to me the Quebec budget actually exposes a huge problem and many Quebec commentators have pointed it… Continue reading »
Mar
21
Déjà vu, all over again
I really thought the conversation on local natural gas development had moved beyond the mania of an availability cascade in Quebec. Everyone tells me I am optimistic and last week’s report in La Presse proves them right. I remember the following statements over the past few years in Quebec. Some of them are misunderstandings and… Continue reading »
Mar
07
The theft of the century
Some people are calling the deal that transferred exploration licenses from Hydro Quebec to two Quebec junior oil and gas companies ‘the theft of the century’. The terms of the deal are private. One President said he negotiated hard to get a good deal and he was satisfied with the result. This outraged opponents. When… Continue reading »
Feb
22
National debates are for everyone
A recent study lays the blame for the lack of success of shale gas in Quebec at industry’s home page. A Canadian Press article more or less agrees. While the study makes many good points it completely misses this one: it avoided mentioning that others avoided getting involved and informing the public on what was… Continue reading »
(+9 rating, 6 votes)Feb
12
Orwell’s Animal Farm in the St Lawrence
“All contracts are legal but some contracts are more legal than others”. After ten years of industry exploration and hundreds of millions of dollars of investment the Government is for a third time changing the rules of the game and ripping up their written contractual promises. Legislation is to be presented by Quebec’s minority Government… Continue reading »
Feb
01
Why no video?
You may have heard about Petrolia having troubles drilling their well in the Gaspe due to special new rules made by the municipality. It shouldn’t be a surprise that a municipality decided to make its own rules. The Government of Quebec won’t tell anyone how it works or what the benefits are. It’s like a… Continue reading »