The anti-fracking demonstrations in Rexton, New Brunswick would have been a bit of a surprise if I hadn't seen several signs that the province really doesn't like fracking.
The anti-fracking graffiti I saw (above) in the neighborhood where I was staying in Moncton. The anti-fracking march down Main Street that culminated at the Saturday morning farmers market.
I kept asking various people about whether fracking was a current issue, and couldn't get a definitive answer. Clearly, the issue is relevant in Rexton, about 80 km northeast of Moncton, though the location is a potential shale gas site.
The visuals from the protests don't look good: RCMP cars on fire. TV satellite trucks from CTV and Global being commandeered by some of the protesters before being released back to the media. Even if the coverage hadn't been fair, taking TV trucks will make that worse, not better.
The news made the USA Today. When was the last time you read about New Brunswick in the USA Today?
One element that has been underreported (outside Canada) is that the First Nations people, specifically the Elsipogtog First Nation members, are at the epicenter of these protests. The development is on their traditional land.
There are plenty of non-native people who are upset and concerned about what may be going on with fracking. The water supply is a prime concern as is the potential destruction of really beautiful land.
The drive for oil, especially in a province where jobs are scarce, can be overwhelming. But the people of New Brunswick are clearly and understandably concerned.
The operators of the site had asked for an injunction to prevent the protests. That was denied by a judge in New Brunswick.
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I also saw anti-fracking concerns in my stay in Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island. The island is even poorer than New Brunswick, so financial pressures are a consideration. But in both provinces, these people love the beauty of their land, and don't want to see that spoiled.
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