Quebec Premier François Legault has revealed that attitudes in the province toward oil and gas pipelines are evolving, a significant shift in a place historically marked by strong opposition to such projects.

In the wake of escalating tensions between Canada and the Trump administration in the United States, discussions around the construction of new pipelines to export oil and natural gas to international markets have intensified. Public sentiment in Quebec has long served as a formidable barrier against the development of new pipelines, particularly those that pass through its territory.

Addressing reporters at a recent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa, Legault emphasized that other provinces are eager to engage in dialogue about expanding pipeline networks. “We’re open to these kinds of projects,” he stated, indicating a willingness to consider new developments. He underscored that any pipeline proposals would require "social acceptance" from the Quebec populace, which remains a non-negotiable condition for such undertakings.

Legault pointed out that the current discourse, heavily influenced by Trump's remarks, suggests a shift in public opinion. "I see right now... that the opinion is changing in Quebec," he noted. He further specified that any new pipeline plans must come with concrete, detailed proposals financed by the private sector. "We need to have real projects on the table," he urged.

On the heels of this pivotal meeting, federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne convened with provincial and territorial finance ministers in Montreal to discuss substantial nation-building infrastructure projects that could stimulate economic growth. Among these were potential hydroelectric transmission initiatives spanning provincial borders.

Champagne emphasized the importance of identifying “nation-building projects” at both federal and provincial levels. He suggested that coordinated efforts among finance ministers could yield numerous projects of national significance—perhaps 10 to 15 critical initiatives that they could collectively pursue, particularly since many projects are interprovincial in nature.

Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy spotlighted the development of Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire as a key priority, remarking that "the status quo is no longer an option." Meanwhile, British Columbia's Finance Minister Brenda Bailey indicated that her province has pinpointed 18 priority projects, primarily focused on clean energy, minerals, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). “Minister Champagne has challenged us to identify more projects, and I’m very hopeful that on the other side of this trade conflict, Canada will be so much stronger,” she said.

During this gathering in Ottawa, which took place against the backdrop of Canada’s War Museum, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, currently chairing the Council of the Federation, noted that various large infrastructure projects are on the agenda, including pipelines extending in every direction as well as rail and port expansions. Ford described Trump’s protective tariffs as a form of "economic war," asserting Canada’s determination to unite and fiercely defend its sovereignty, interests, and economy.

Notably absent from the discussion was British Columbia Premier David Eby, with the Prime Minister’s Office confirming that other premiers participated either in person or via teleconference.

As Quebec's stance on oil and gas pipelines begins to shift, all eyes will be on how these discussions unfold and whether this newfound openness will translate into actionable projects that could reshape the province's economic landscape and energy policies.