The Gallant Liberals are taking a cautious approach to shale gas development with a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing.
Others believe a cautious approach is foolhardy when the province is in such a difficult economic state and suggest fracking is a lifeline the province should grab.
Gallant says the government must do its due diligence to ensure they fully understand how to protect water, health and the environment.
“We’d wanna have proper consultations with communities to see if there’s a social license, and we’d also wanna ensure that there was a proper dialogue with First Nations,” says Gallant. “This is something that shouldn’t even really be in the criteria because it’s a duty to consult that exists with the government.”
Joel Richardson of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association says New Brunswick can’t afford to lose any more jobs adding a moratorium lasting more than 6 months will have a disastrous effect on jobs and investment.
Gallant says despite the financial difficulties the province faces, it would not be beneficial to rush into any commitments without a thorough examination of the pros and cons.
“It’s important for us to ensure that we would have a royalty structure that would help us maximize the benefits for New Brunswickers if ever we were to move forward,” says Gallant.
Gallant says the moratorium his government has put into place represents the many New Brunswickers who have legitimate questions and concerns over the safety of hydraulic fracturing.
