I think in Norway its "scientific" to prove reserves and flow rates ect. But I dont know about Quebec :)

If there should be any fracturing only for environmental purposes, it`s obvious to me this must be done by this EES alone or paid by EES. But if its a combined study of reserves and environmenal effects - it could be done by the companies, of course.

TLMs planned two fracture tests in 2011 - as long as they are not purely commercial and are meant for production, they have a scientific goal.