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Atlantic Fracking update and Day of FrAction!

A little update on where things are at with fracking in the Atlantic region:

Currently, New Brunswick has many blocks of land leased to oil and gas companies, and exploration wells have already been drilled in many areas, predominantly in Southern NB. The Conservative government has been listening to and meeting with groups and individuals with concerns, but has flip-flopped a few times on how they plan to deal with public concerns. There is overwhelming support for a “NO shale gas” message to the government.

In Nova Scotia, there has only been one well fracked (in the Windsor Block, close to Kennetcook), but there are a few companies procuring leases to land in Inverness County as well as the North Shore. Presently, there are no active permits to frack; either that have been filled or that are being processed. The NDP government here in NS has started a review process, which many folks have participated in by contributing a written submission in the first stage. Many people have raised concerns with this process however, which include the limited scope of the process as well as methods of engagement and time limitations. (More information on the government’s review process can be found here. To read the Council’s submission, click here

PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador are not as much at risk given their geology, however a company recently applied for a land lease so the public is increasing their awareness about the concerns.

Atlantic Day of FrAction!

The Charlottetown chapter participated in an event, with approximately100 people gathered outside of the provincial legislature.

The Inverness County chapter of the Council of Canadians hosted a Day of FrAction in the park in Inverness. They had a fun day of sign painting with live music. Several beautiful hand-painted signs were made to show opposition to fracking! 


Inverness sign making

Inverness: sign-making with live music for the Atlantic Day of FrAction

A march was organized in Fredericton, bringing together a diverse group of 1500 people, with a strong presence from the English, French and First Nations communities and folks from all over the province, as well as NS, PEI and Maine. The Council of Canadians, along with 25 other groups, had a presence in the march.




This image gives you a sense of how many participated in Fredericton, NB. (photo by Carol Walpin, of Hampton Water First)

Here are a few articles about the events:

About 1,500 people protest shale gas development

CBC TV News, Aug 2 (9:30 minute mark)

Fracking Fears Fuel Protests in NB, PEI 

1500 at Fredericton NB Anti-Fracking Rally 

New Brunswickers Say No to Shale Gas