As Montreal braces for a rainy week ahead, a storm of a different kind is brewing in Quebec’s political landscape. A new poll released yesterday reveals shifting attitudes toward carbon pricing among Quebecers, with opposition growing in regions outside major urban centers.
The survey, conducted by Leger for the Institut du Québec, shows 57% of respondents from rural and suburban areas now oppose the province’s cap-and-trade system, compared to 42% just eighteen months ago. This marks a significant shift in a province long considered a climate policy leader in North America.
“We’re seeing a growing urban-rural divide on climate policy,” explains Catherine Moreau, environmental policy analyst at Université de Montréal. “While support remains relatively stable in Montreal and Quebec City, the outlying regions are increasingly concerned about economic impacts.”
Walking through Marché Jean-Talon yesterday morning, I noticed the conversation about rising costs has become as common as discussions about the weather. Vendors and shoppers alike mentioned concerns about inflation, with several specifically referencing carbon pricing as a contributing factor.
Martin Beauséjour, who runs a family-owned vegetable stand, shared his perspective: “My transportation costs have gone up nearly 20% in two years. I understand we need to address climate change, but small businesses are struggling to absorb these increases.”
The poll suggests economic concerns are indeed driving the opposition. Among respondents who opposed carbon pricing, 72% cited cost of living pressures as their primary concern, while 65% questioned the effectiveness of the system in actually reducing emissions.
Quebec’s cap-and-trade system, linked with California since 2014, has been a cornerstone of the province’s climate strategy. It requires large emitters to purchase allowances for their greenhouse gas emissions, creating a financial incentive to reduce pollution.
Premier François Legault has maintained support for the system despite growing political pressure. At a press conference last week, he acknowledged concerns but insisted the policy remains essential: “We cannot address climate change without putting a price on pollution. But we must ensure the transition is fair and manageable for all Quebecers.”
The shifting public opinion mirrors trends seen elsewhere. As I covered the COP28 climate conference last year, this tension between climate ambition and economic reality was evident across multiple jurisdictions.
Environmental advocates remain concerned about potential policy reversals. “This isn’t the time to back away from proven climate solutions,” argues Sophie Laroche from Équiterre. “What we need is better communication about how revenue from carbon pricing can benefit communities and more targeted support for vulnerable households.”
The poll also revealed interesting demographic patterns. Support for carbon pricing remains strongest among younger Quebecers (18-34) at 68%, while those over 55 show the highest opposition at 54%.
Having covered Montreal’s environmental movements for over a decade, I’ve witnessed the ebb and flow of public sentiment. What stands out in this latest polling is not just opposition to the policy itself, but skepticism about implementation.
“People aren’t necessarily against climate action,” notes Daniel Bélanger, political scientist at Université Laval. “They question whether the current approach distributes costs and benefits equitably. This is a policy implementation challenge more than a rejection of environmental goals.”
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Quebec has launched a new public information campaign focusing on how carbon pricing revenue supports green infrastructure projects throughout the province. Whether this messaging will shift public opinion remains to be seen.
For now, as Montrealers adjust their umbrellas against the spring rain, many are also adjusting their household budgets with an eye on both rising costs and environmental concerns. The challenge for policymakers will be addressing both simultaneously – a delicate balancing act in increasingly polarized times.
What’s clear from both the polling data and conversations across Montreal markets and cafés is that the climate conversation in Quebec has evolved. It’s no longer about whether to act, but how to ensure climate policies work for everyone – especially those feeling economic pressure most acutely.
