Quebec municipalities Please correct me if I am mistaken, but from what I understand, Quebec municipalities do not have the right to refuse shale gas development, if the provincial government has agreed to it:
From the Quebec government report on shale gas development: :"In Québec, gas resources belong to all citizens, no matter what region they live in. Royalties collected on these resources must benefit all Quebecers. Thus it would be inappropriate if the government were to pay a portion of the royalties to the municipalities located in the regions where shale gas production is feasible.
? Nevertheless, insofar as certain municipalities might be obliged to assume real and quantifiable costs, they will be compensated. ? Also, the government will ensure that the municipalities are compensated for intangible or less easily quantifiable costs and inconveniences. Indeed, care
must be taken that the municipalities where wells are located enjoy the advantages – and not just the drawbacks – resulting from shale gas development."
www.budget.finances.gouv.qc.ca/Budget/2011-2012/.../Schisteen.pdf
The report is quite clear that shale gas development will go ahead if it can be done in an environmentally responsible manner. Mike BInnion's whole case for shale gas rests on this assumption.