FREDERICTON (GNB) – Energy and Mines Minister Craig Leonard today outlined a series of more than 80 public and stakeholder meetings in relation to work which is ongoing on the natural gas file in New Brunswick.

“We want to ensure New Brunswickers understand the level of information sharing and consultation that has taken place on this file,” Leonard said. “If you look at our record, we have averaged a meeting or presentation every two weeks.”

The first large-scale meeting was held in Fredericton on June 23, 2011. Called a natural gas forum it included representatives from all walks of society such as environmental groups, leaders of all political parties, industry, and First Nations.

Individual meetings have been held with more than 50 groups which have included the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick;  L'Association de Municipalités Francophone du Nouveau-Brunswick; chambers of commerce; service clubs, enterprise agencies, and professional organizations, mayors and local service district representatives. A list of the organizations is available online.

“There is no question our consultation on natural gas development has been extensive,” said Leonard. “There have been ample opportunities for the public to ask questions, learn details and voice opinions on natural gas exploration and development over the past two years. Many of the meetings have been very positive and a good exchange of ideas has taken place. Unfortunately, some meetings have not gone well, with individuals being shouted down by those opposed to development, which has forced us to use other means to disseminate information such as virtual town halls or online material.”

Hundreds of New Brunswickers took part in virtual town hall meetings held in the ridings of Miramichi South, Miramichi Centre; Petitcodiac; Kings East, and Grand-Lake Gagetown.

In addition to information sharing, proposed new rules for industry were posted online for 120 days instead of the usual 60 days for comment to ensure the public had every opportunity to provide input and suggestions.

“The idea that we have not listened to citizen concerns is refuted by the fact that we incorporated many submissions we received into the rules and developed the strongest environmental protection in North America,” Leonard said.

In addition to the meetings hosted by the province, proponents such as SWN Resources Canada Ltd. held public open-house meetings to provide technical information on their exploration program in their license areas.

Leonard said the oil and natural gas file is ever-evolving and that the government will always be willing to dialogue with New Brunswickers on the issues surrounding the sector.


24-10-13