The Conservation Council of New Brunswick deeply regrets the violence that occurred in Rexton on Oct. 17th.
We are disheartened by the way the injunction on the ongoing blockade was enforced, with excessive aggression by way of tactical force, weapons and arrests.
We offer sincere support and solidarity to the people of Elsipogtog First Nation, Chief Arren Sock and Council, and to the communities and community groups in Kent County who have tirelessly stood up as protectors of our air, land and waters. This grassroots community movement has been an unprecedented coming together of Aboriginal, Francophone and Anglophone communities and today, more than ever, we must work together for solutions to heal our communities, our environment and economy.
We continue to call on the government to abandon plans to explore and develop shale gas in New Brunswick. In order to begin to remedy the situation and to be seen to be discussing with First Nations leadership in good faith, we request that the government halt current seismic exploration by SWN Resource Canada in Kent County.
“Pushing though the unwanted industry clearly isn’t worth the violence, turmoil and harm to our communities and our environment”, Stephanie Coburn, Conservation Council President.
Contacts:
Stephanie Coburn, Conservation Council President: 506.433.4885; scoburn@nb.sympatico.ca
Stephanie Merrill, Conservation Council spokesperson on shale gas: 506.458.8747 (W) 506.261.8317 (C); water@conservationcouncil.ca