Yes it's difficult for us foreigners to know the public opinion in Quebec. Though it seems the environmentalists started and came ahead in this debate. F.ex I read comments from people who think the water can ignite and such. Good for the gas industry the governemnt is firm and seems decided to continue development of the gaz resources.

I think shale gas is much better project to "sell" than oil sand thinking of the effects in nature and gas as clean energy. Some guys here in Norway think the coal industry is helping the the anti shale gas movement cause they are afraid of losing their market to a much cleaner resource. Well, thats speculations.

As it seems to me, very much is in the hands of Mr Charest and his goverment in the short term. If they still are determined, as we think they are.