New Democrats question lack of consultation around fracking, uranium mining

HALIFAX –On Tuesday, New Democrats will bring forward Nova Scotians’ concerns about the Houston government’s unilateral decision to remove long-standing bans on uranium mining and fracking.

Among the witnesses testifying at the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development this afternoon are representatives from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs who have criticized Tim Houston’s government for failing to uphold their constitutional obligation to consult.

“The Houston government is ignoring Nova Scotians who have valid concerns about their land, property rights and drinking water. The people of the province didn’t vote for the government to push forward with fracking and uranium mining with no warning,” said NSNDP Energy Critic Susan Leblanc. “Any activity that can impact our land, water or health for years to come requires meaningful consultation with the affected communities – but that’s not what we’ve seen from Houston so far.”

New Democrat MLAs will question government officials and other witnesses on these issues at the committee meeting this afternoon.

“The Houston government has been more focused on pursuing its own interests than listening to municipalities, Indigenous leaders and property owners throughout our province,” said NSNDP Natural Resources Critic Lisa Lachance. “There’s no question that we need to create good jobs and invest in sustainable opportunities, but governments don’t get to force their decisions on Nova Scotians. New Democrats are pushing for answers about this government’s secret agenda and raising the concerns we hear from folks across the province.”

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