MEI-IPSOS poll: A majority of Quebecers support the construction of new dams and wind turbines

Montreal, November 9, 2023 – Seven in ten Quebecers are in favour of building new hydroelectric dams to cope with the disappearance of Hydro-Québec’s energy surpluses, according to a Montreal Economic Institute-IPSOS poll released this morning.

“Quebecers are well aware that the golden age of Hydro-Québec surpluses is coming to an end,” explains Gabriel Giguère, public policy analyst at the MEI. “It’s no surprise that people are supportive of new dams to prevent Hydro-Québec from becoming a drag on the province’s development.”

Fewer than two in ten Quebecers would oppose these construction projects, revealed the survey. The highest levels of support, at 74 per cent, were found in the age cohort from 18 to 34.

The development of wind farms is also popular, garnering the approval of eight in ten Quebecers.

The possibilities for nuclear power are still a subject for debate in Quebec, with 40 per cent of Quebecers in favour and 44 per cent opposed.

“It would seem that Hydro-Québec did a good job taking the pulse of Quebecers when it unveiled its Action Plan 2035 last week,” adds Giguère. “The public recognizes the need for new energy supply, and it appears that the nuclear debate is still alive and well in the province.”

Other highlights include:

• Two in three Quebecers support new pricing mechanisms to encourage energy conservation.
• Only one in three Quebecers opposes revival of the LNG-Quebec project to supply Europe with a replacement for Russian natural gas.
• Six in 10 Canadians acknowledge that carbon capture and sequestration can make a significant difference in the fight against climate change.
• Six in 10 Quebecers support the creation of energy corridors to facilitate development of energy transport infrastructures such as transmission lines and pipelines.

The poll was conducted among a representative sample of 1,161 Canadians, with an oversample of 403 Quebecers, aged 18 years and over between October 18^th and 20^th, 2023. The results are accurate to within plus or minus 3.3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Results of the poll can be consulted.

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The MEI is an independent public policy think tank with offices in Montreal and Calgary. Through its publications, media appearances, and advisory services to policy-makers, the MEI stimulates public policy debate and reforms based on sound economics and entrepreneurship.

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