FREDERICTON - Today in Carleton Park, mayoral candidate
Matthew Hayes launched his platform plank on Clean Water and Air to an audience
of residents and stakeholder groups. He wants to ensure that City Council
protects the quality of the water and air in Fredericton.
“We’ve got some of the purest water in
Canada, and I want to keep it that way,” says Hayes.
Hayes believes Fredericton should be taking
a leadership role on areas of environmental concern, such as shale gas
exploration. “Two weeks ago, City Council voted to ban shale gas exploration
within city limits, which did nothing to change the status quo,” Hayes says.
Fredericton relies on underground aquifers
for its drinking water, and this source goes beyond city limits. Hayes says
that this means Fredericton needs to be aware of what is happening outside of
the city.
“We need to recognize that Fredericton does
not exist in a bubble. What happens outside our region can affect us
negatively, which is why we need to take a strong stance against risky
industrial development throughout the province.”
Thus far, the election has been about
public transit, the neighbourhoods that are being built, recreation opportunities,
arts and culture, and other areas of public interest. It all contributes to the
quality of life in Fredericton, Hayes says.
“The state of our water and air is essential
to our quality of life,” Hayes says. “As mayor, it would be my priority to
protect it.”
