FREDERICTON - Three political parties in New Brunswick are calling for an immediate halt to shale gas development.
The Green party of New Brunswick, the New Brunswick New Democrats and the People's Alliance of New Brunswick have issued a joint statement saying there are growing concerns over the environmental damage.
NDP Leader Dominic Cardy says the parties have agreed on a so-called conditional ban, coupled with a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.
People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin says the three parties have different positions when it comes to what the government should do, but all of them want to "put the brakes" on development.
Austin says the industry is being "recklessly pursued" by Premier David Alward's Conservative government.
Greta Doucet, interim leader of the Green party, says the province should focus its energies on promoting renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.
