The candidates for the leadership of the Parti Quebecois are divided when it comes to oil exploration on Anticosti Island.

During the second official debate in Sherbrooke, Pierre Karl Peladeau said that the resources on the island are an asset to sovereignty. But candidates Martine Ouellet, Alexandre Cloutier and Pierre Cere are completely against the exploitation of oil.

Bernard Drainville said he will await the findings of studies on the issue before voicing his opinion.

The candidates all agreed that the electrification of the transportation system is a key concern.

Perceived frontrunner Pierre Karl Peladeau was targeted early and often in the first debate, held earlier this month in Trois Rivieres, but the tone was largely cordial.

During an unofficial debate in Quebec City March 18, Peladeau said demographic changes and immigration are to blame for the PQ "losing a riding a year," a comment he apologized for making the next day.

-- with files from CTV Montreal