The New Brunswick government says a five-month public review will examine the future of a moratorium on natural gas development. Premier Susan Holt made the announcement Wednesday in Fredericton, where she referenced economic pressure and U.S. tariffs multiple times. “The events of these past few days have only strengthened my belief that we must look at opportunities here at home,” said Holt. The moratorium was first implemented in December 2014 under former Liberal Premier Brian Gallant. Holt said the government would announce its decision by January on whether to continue the moratorium. “New Brunswickers and our province are facing significant economic pressures, and we have a responsibility to leave no stone unturned as we look for opportunities to strengthen our economy and create good-paying jobs for New Brunswickers,” said Holt. “That means being willing to ask difficult questions and doing the homework before making decisions.” Holt said the review would examine any changes in science, technology, market, and regulatory best practices since the moratorium was first put in place. According to a government new release, the review will consider five areas: The government said it would meet with First Nations, local governments, industry and residents during the review, adding that a technical working group with First Nations had been developed. The group representing the Mi’gmaq First Nations of New Brunswick issued a statement shortly after Holt’s announcement. “We are going into this process to listen and ask questions of the experts and our community members,” said the statement from Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn. “A decision on whether or not to support the idea of allowing companies to come into New Brunswick to pursue and consult on natural gas development will not be made until we have all the necessary data and information to make an informed decision. This cannot happen overnight.” Holt was adamant about there being no pre-determined outcome for the review as of right now. “This is not a green light to start getting drills in the ground,” she said. The Conservation Council of New Brunswick called the moratorium’s review “a devastating setback.” “We know what burning fossil fuels is doing to our climate,” said Beverly Gingras, the council’s executive director, in a statement. “We can see the consequences around us. We can see where global energy markets are heading. Starting down the road of new natural gas development in 2026 is not forward-looking economic development. It is a step backwards.” The Atlantica Centre for Energy said it welcomed the review, calling it an important and responsible step for the province to take. “Before decisions can be made about the future of natural gas development, we need a shared understanding of the facts,” said Michelle Robichaud, president of the Atlantica Centre for Energy, in a statement. “That requires good science, credible economic and technical analysis, meaningful public discussion and, fundamentally, the leadership and active participation of First Nations throughout the process.” The introduction of a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing was a key pledge from the Gallant government, in direct contrast to the Progressive Conservative’s 2014 campaign slogan to “Say Yes” for more natural gas development. The 2014 provincial election campaign, which saw the defeat of David Alward’s PC government, followed months of protests on natural gas development the year before – culminating in October 2013 with violence and vehicles being burned on Route 134 near Elsipogtog First Nation and Rexton. Former PC Premier Blaine Higgs legislated a partial exemption to the moratorium in 2019, allowing for natural gas development in the McCully Field area in Penobsquis. Natural Resources Minister John Herron referred to that exemption during Wednesday’s announcement, calling it an example of “natural gas being safely extracted in the province.” “Gas is also known to exist in the Stoney Creek and Hillsborough area,” said Herron. “We will examine data from these sites as part of this review. “I will say this loud and clear, if we can’t be certain that this can be done safely it won’t be done at all.” The province said there’s an estimated 60 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the McCully Field area, with 12 trillion cubic feet in the Stoney Creek area. The current PC Official Opposition has repeatedly called for the moratorium to be lifted since Holt’s government came into power. Interim PC Leader Glen Savoie said Wednesday’s announcement of a review was “very suspect,” ahead of an expected update on government finances this week. “This is a government that needs positive headlines,” said Savoie. “How much credibility should New Brunswickers give to this announcement? Is the premier actually sincere? This is a government that is looking for any good news story that it can, to get itself away from the terrible deficit figures that we’re going to hear.” Holt said her government would present monthly updates on the review’s progress, leading to January’s final decision. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
