NGE Notes: Potential Canadian PM says shale gas industry needs more study

The leader of Canada's Liberal party, has called for greater scientific study before further expansion its shale gas industry.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said Saturday while campaigning alongside his provincial counterpart Brian Gallant in New Brunswick province, which has seen violent protests again the unconventional gas.

Trudeau waded into the controversial issue while at election rally with New Brunswick Liberal Leader in advance of the Sept. 22 provincial election.

“I’m very much in agreement with Mr. Gallant that in terms of fracking and shale gas, we need to make sure that we have all the information, that there is proper science done,” Trudeau said.

“That’s why we need to make sure that we’re strong on both the science and the long-term vision for New Brunswick and for Canada before we move ahead with that.”

The development of New Brunswick shale gas reserves has been a has been a dominate issue in the election campaign, with the present Progressive Conservative Premier David Alward, promoting the economic benefits of shale gas development for the province.

In October 2013, protests over shale gas development spiralled into violence, with forty arrests and five police cruisers burned following an attempt by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to enforce an injunction to end a blockade by shale gas opponents protesting the activities of energy company SWN Resources Canada.

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