As part of the animated debate over shale gas resources, the Réseau des ingénieurs du Québec polled its members to survey their positions on this topic. A total of 2,135 engineers participated in the poll conducted between December 13, 2010 and January 9, 2011.

The poll revealed that 59% of the engineers were opposed to shale gas exploitation in Québec and 75% wanted a complete and immediate moratorium on the exploration and exploitation of such wells, while awaiting rigorous and independent studies to assess the potential impacts of extraction, and recommend mitigation measures. 

The engineers are not, however, totally opposed to the development of a shale gas sector in Québec, but do not believe that the current situation or conditions are conducive for moving forward in this area. They also question the role and importance of shale gas to Québec’s energy portfolio.

Furthermore, the engineers seemed puzzled as to Québec’s expertise in developing this sector.

View the poll and the report highlights online (only in french).

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