Friends of Science Society's report challenges Quebec's decarbonization strategy, warning of high costs and urging a shift back to carbon‑intensive energy for national security
Executive summary: The Friends of Science Society released a report titled "Quebec's Pursuit Of Decarbonization: A Difficult and Costly Challenge with Questionable Benefits" that criticizes Quebec's decarbonization plan as expensive and unlikely to succeed, urging Canada to recarbonize for national security. The report challenges provincial climate policy, potentially influencing investment decisions in renewable energy, affecting energy costs, and shaping future regulatory discussions on carbon pricing and energy security in Quebec and Canada.
Who is involved: Friends of Science Society, Quebec provincial government, Canadian federal government, renewable energy sector, utility companies, and carbon market participants.
Likely next: Quebec officials may issue a public response or reassess parts of the decarbonization plan; the report could be cited in provincial legislative hearings; federal policymakers may review national climate targets in light of energy security concerns.
A report published by the Friends of Science Society on August 26, 2026 labels Quebec's decarbonization plan as excessively costly and unlikely to achieve its goals, recommending that Canada reconsider its climate approach and increase reliance on carbon‑based energy sources for security reasons. The report cites economic analyses and questions the benefits of provincial renewable targets. Its release adds to the ongoing debate over the feasibility and economic impact of aggressive climate policies in Canada.
Timeline
- — Quebec Decarbonization Plan - Expensive and Unlikely says new Friends of Science Society Reports; Canada must REcarbonize for National Security (PR Newswire)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- Quebec hydroelectric sector
- Canadian carbon pricing market
Historical parallels
- Ontario's Green Energy Act repeal (2018)
- Alberta carbon tax protests (2020)
Sources
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