SWN Resources has wrapped up seismic testing for the year in New Brunswick, but Premier David Alward says he wants to see the company continue testing for shale gas next year.
“Ultimately, that will be a decision that they make,” said Alward.
“I’m certainly hopeful that they’ll be back next year but again, they’ve got to analyze what they’ve been able to determine with their sites.”
On Monday, Alward was greeted warmly in Saint John by a group of business leaders, many of whom are counting on positive results from shale gas exploration.
“One of the things that developing a local supply of natural gas allows us is to give us the opportunity to have an affordable supply of energy for our businesses,” said Eric Poirier of the Saint John Board of Trade.
SWN Resources is remaining tightlipped over whether its exploration work to date has achieved promising results. If it does proceed, the next phase would be to drill test wells in the province.
While some business leaders are applauding their efforts, others are hoping New Brunswick has seen the last of the shale gas testing company.
“I think the reason why Premier Alward is hoping and putting all his eggs in one basket for SWN to return is the case of a lack of a better plan,” said environmentalist Sharon Murphy.
Alward said he will be meeting with SWN Resources in the coming weeks to discuss the company’s findings and their plans for next year.
He also acknowledged that even if natural resource development proceeds as planned, significant job creation is still two to five years away.
WIth files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron
