The Holt government has taken the first steps toward lifting a 12 year moratorium on shale gas development in New Brunswick.

Premier Susan Holt announced a five month review to evaluate the five conditions originally set for lifting the ban. The review examines whether these conditions align with current science, technology, market demands, and regulatory best practices. If you live in New Brunswick, the outcome of this review directly impacts your local economy and environment.

According to a recent CBC News report, economic pressures are driving this decision. Holt cited U.S. tariffs and a projected provincial deficit of 1.4 billion dollars as reasons to ask difficult questions about the province’s resources.

A Deliberate Dialogue

“This is, in fact, the start of a conversation,” Holt said. “This is not a green light to start getting drills in the ground. This is a deliberate 5 month long dialogue with many partners in our province and with you as New Brunswickers to determine if this is something we want to move forward with together.”

The province plans to announce the outcome of the review in January 2027. The government will also provide monthly progress reports. Currently, no private sector company has a specific proposal ready to move forward.

Indigenous Consultation and Reactions

The review process evaluates Indigenous rights, the size and type of natural gas deposits, health and environmental impacts, economic benefits, and public support. These points mirror the original conditions set by former Liberal premier Brian Gallant in 2014.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson confirmed the province has discussed gas development with First Nations chiefs for several months.

Mi’gmawe’l T’plutaqann Inc. represents nine Mi’kmaq First Nations in New Brunswick. The group confirmed its members will participate in the review.

“We are going into this process to listen and ask questions of the experts and our community members,” the group stated. They emphasized that a decision requires time and that the review does not replace the legal requirement for formal consultation.

Chief Terry Richardson of Pabineau First Nation supports the review. “You are always going to have people who say not in my backyard,” he said. “But we’re in a changing world right now and to those people, I would say, we’ve got to look at the economic situation that were experiencing right now.”

Elsipogtog First Nation expressed skepticism. The band council warned that participation does not equal agreement. They cautioned against imposing artificial timelines on complex constitutional rights.

Industry Support and Historical Context

The Atlantica Centre for Energy welcomed the review. CEO Michelle Robichaud noted that a reliable domestic natural gas supply boosts industry, creates jobs, and drives economic growth.

“This is an important and responsible step for New Brunswick,” Robichaud said.

Natural gas exploration sparked intense controversy in New Brunswick over a decade ago. Concerns centered on the health and environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing. Protests in Rexton turned violent in 2013. The following year, Gallant’s Liberals won the provincial election and implemented the current moratorium.

Holt believes royalty revenue from shale gas offers a solution to the province’s budget deficit and provides funding for health care improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New Brunswick natural gas moratorium?

The moratorium is a ban on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in New Brunswick. Former Premier Brian Gallant implemented the ban in 2014.

Why is the government reviewing the ban now?

Premier Susan Holt cited economic pressures, including U.S. tariffs and a projected 1.4 billion dollar provincial deficit. The government wants to see if lifting the ban generates royalty revenue for health care and debt reduction.

When will the government make a final decision?

The province will conduct a five month review and plans to announce the final outcome in January 2027.

Are companies ready to start drilling?

No. The premier confirmed there are no specific proposals from private sector companies at this time.