Quebec paves way for oil, gas exploration with new energy law

Toronto

QUEBEC'S legislature has passed a bill that will pave the way for more oil and gas exploration, providing a boost to drillers such as Junex Inc while drawing criticism from environmental, aboriginal and citizen groups.

Bill 106 passed Quebec's National Assembly in a 62-38 vote on Saturday after an overnight debate ahead of the holiday break. The legislation is meant to implement Quebec's clean energy plan but also contains provisions allowing for energy exploration, potentially including fracking.