Protestors demonstrated at the corner of Marine Avenue and Wharf Street Monday, in a show of solidarity with New Brunswick’s Mi’kmaq First Nation. They are bringing awareness to the issue of exploratory testing in the province of New Brunswick, by SWN Resources Canada. SWN, a Houston, Texas-based company, is searching for useable natural gas deposits in shale rock formations. Supporters say that if they are successful, the company will then attempt to extract the resource through hydraulic fracturing, also referred to as fracking.
Protestors say that fracking can deplete groundwater, has the potential to contaminate water with toxic chemicals and can cause a number of health issues including respiratory problems and skin conditions. They say it has also been linked to increased earthquake activity in areas where it is practised.
On October 17, 2013, more than 100 RCMP raided a blockade camp set up around a parking compound used by SWN, near Rexton, New Brunswick. The police then used pepper spray and what protestors called an excessive use of force to clear the blockade, arresting 40 people in the process.
The Mi’kmaq declared December 2 a national day of action.
