About 100 anti-fracking protesters gathered in Moncton on Wednesday to send a clear message to the New Brunswick government about the shale gas industry.
Thumper trucks have been testing for shale gas along Route 126 near Harcourt and protesters blocked the trucks from travelling down the road last week, before police stepped in.
Wednesday’s protest comes a few days after a report was released, singing the praises of the controversial practice.
The report, commissioned by the New Brunswick Business Council and the province, indicates shale gas development could result in $13 million in economic benefits and 21 fulltime jobsfor the area.
Natalie Goguen isn’t buying the argument, saying she is anxious about her son’s future.
“I am concerned about what is going on on the 126 Highway,” she says. “I have a lot of family who live in that area and so I am worried that they might one day be out of water.”
Retired journalist Graeme Decarie says some of the conclusions of the report are based on old information.
“Those estimates have now, by all experts, been dramatically reduced,” says Decarie. “The wells do not produce nearly as long as they thought they would.”
The protest moved from Victoria Park, through the streets, eventually arriving at Moncton City Hall.
The Alward government has said residents will have to make a tough choice between economic development or a moratorium.
The government introduced what it says are tough regulations in a shale gas blueprint last month, but Goguen says residents should have been consulted.
“I feel that they should have asked us how we feel about it. You know, it is our water too. It’s not really theirs.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's David Bell
