FREDERICTON (GNB) – Noted
environmental expert Professor Louis LaPierre, who has a doctorate in
biology, will chair a panel that will carry out a citizen engagement
tour in June to obtain feedback on the discussion paper Responsible Environmental Management of Oil and Gas Activities in New Brunswick.
“We are pleased that someone of Professor LaPierre's stature has agreed
to lead this tour and we look forward to hearing from New
Brunswickers,” said Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup. “These
eight public meetings will provide an opportunity for an in-depth
discussion about the new measures we are proposing to ensure any
expansion of the oil and natural gas industry is done safely and to the
maximum benefit of New Brunswickers.”
LaPierre has been Professor Emeritus in Biology at the Université de
Moncton since October 2003. At this same university, he was holder of
the K.C. Irving Chair in Sustainable Development (Chaire K.-C.-Irving en
développement durable) from 1993 to 2001; professor of Wildlife and
Environmental Ecology from 1970 to 1999; and director of the Masters in
Environmental Studies program from 1994 to 1999. Between 1990 and 1994,
he was also director of the university's Environmental Science Research
Centre.
On May 17, the provincial government released the discussion paper,
which contains 116 recommendations designed to ensure the responsible
environmental management of the oil and natural gas industry. The
recommendations include proposals to complement the province's existing
regulatory framework.
The government also released a new royalty and revenue-sharing
discussion paper with proposals that would see individuals and
communities benefit if there is an expanded natural gas industry in New
Brunswick in the future.
In addition, the government announced a new administration penalty
system that would put in place a maximum fine of $1 million for
companies that violate the Oil and Natural Gas Act.
The provincial government will receive comments on the discussion
papers until July 18. The documents as well as contact information for
comments can be found online (hotlink to www.gnb.ca/naturalgas).
The citizen engagement tour will contain two types of formats for the public to participate.
At each meeting, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be a Public Open
House where anyone can drop in and speak to members of the Natural Gas
Group about exploration, development or any other related topic of
interest. There will be written material on hand and information booths.
From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., a public meeting will be held. The Natural
Gas Group will deliver a 30-minute presentation to the audience and
questions and answers will follow.
Specific meeting locations will be publicized in advance. The communities where meetings will be held are as follows:
● Wednesday, June 6 - Chipman
● Monday, June 11 - Stanley
● Monday, June 18 -Salisbury
● Tuesday, June 19 - Hillsborough
● Wednesday, June 20 - Grand Falls
● Thursday, June 21 - Bathurst
● Friday, June 22 - Bouctouche
● Monday, June 25 - Blackville
