Liberal leader Charles Milliard ‘more reluctant’ on shale gas, but open to nuclear power

Quebec Liberal Party (QLP) leader Charles Milliard is open to nuclear energy, but “more reluctant” regarding shale gas extraction.

He believes, however, that priority must be given above all to the development of hydroelectric, solar or wind power projects.

According to Milliard, if the government wants to generate more revenue, “we need an economic ‘yes’ in Quebec.”

“We must be open to different projects,” he said during a news scrum following a speech to the Metropolitan Montreal Chamber of Commerce (CCMM) on Friday.

Shale gas extraction from Quebec soil is not, “for the time being,” among the projects the Liberal leader would put forward if he became premier.

“I don’t think Quebecers are there yet. Other parties have raised this issue. And for now, I’d like us to focus on hydroelectric projects, wind projects and solar projects. There’s a lot to be done to generate more energy in Quebec,” said Milliard.

“When it comes to shale gas, I’m much more reluctant, because I really think Quebecers aren’t there yet at all. There have been laws to slow down, halt exploration, and obviously halt production as well. So, it’s not at the top of my priorities.”

When asked whether he was in favour of a return to nuclear energy in Quebec, Milliard did not rule it out.

“The role of the government, the role of decision-makers, is to be project developers. So, at this stage, I am not opposed to nuclear power. I just think it is not the priority right now,” he stated, reiterating that renewable energy projects are on the table. “But nuclear energy works very well in many countries. Moreover, Canada has expertise in this area. It works very well in France, Germany and the United States. So, it would not be my role to be against it at this stage.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 1, 2026.