A recent poll shows the vast majority of the Quebec population supports the the repeal of Bill 21 and the development of natural gas in La Belle province..The Mainstreet poll was conducted from Sept. 20 to 21..According to the poll, Mainstreet said the establishment, especially the CAQ (coalition avenir Quebec) government, is completely out of touch and doesn't listen to Quebecers..The government of Quebec passed Bill 21 on April 12, effectively banning oil and gas production in the eastern Canadian province and agreeing to provide compensation to the industry..In June, Utica Resources filed a lawsuit in Superior Court to nullify Bill 21 or, failing that, to obtain compensation of $18 Billion, which is the net present value of future profits for the company, which independent experts determined..Utica Resources is a Quebec company whose mission is to participate in the energy transition currently underway by developing a diversified portfolio that includes, in addition to light oil and natural gas, renewable energy projects such as hydrogen and CO2 storage..The suit states Bill 21 constitutes an attack on Utica Resources' right to "the peaceful enjoyment and free disposition of its property", a fundamental right protected by the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Article 6) and section 952 of the Civil Code of Quebec, which states: "No owner may be compelled to transfer his ownership except by expropriation according to law for public utility and in return for a just and prior indemnity.".CEO of Utica Resources Mario Levesque said, "These numbers show what people are telling me all day long."."I am disappointed that our government does not listen to the citizens of Quebec. It is about time politicians finally listen," Levesque said.."The arguments in favor of exploiting natural gas in Quebec are undeniable. Quebec has 20% of Canada's natural gas reserves. Our oil and natural gas imports generate a trade deficit of $15 billion per year.".According to Levesque, the production and export of these resources would generate tens of billions in royalties and taxes for the government.."We could finance health and education, as well as the transition to new forms of energy. I have no clue why the prime minister is not willing to see our historic chance for a win-win situation. We as citizens of Quebec could make a huge difference to the worldwide energy crisis and we could raise an enormous amount of money for our province," Levesque said.."The conclusion I draw is that Quebecers are way smarter than their leadership and understand the importance of developing Quebec's resources."
