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SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Atlantica Centre for Energy welcomes the Government of New Brunswick’s announcement that it will undertake a comprehensive, five-month process with New Brunswick’s First Nations to better understand the province’s natural gas opportunity.
“This is an important and responsible step for New Brunswick,” said Michelle Robichaud, President of the Atlantica Centre for Energy. “Before decisions can be made about the future of natural gas development, we need a shared understanding of the facts. That requires good science, credible economic and technical analysis, meaningful public discussion and, fundamentally, the leadership and active participation of First Nations throughout the process.”
The Centre applauds the government’s distinction of the process as a discussion and not a decision.
The purpose of the next five months should be to determine what is known, identify what is not yet known and establish whether New Brunswick has an opportunity that warrants further consideration environmentally, economically, technically and socially.
“New Brunswickers should not prejudge what this process will conclude,” said Robichaud. “Given the changes taking place in energy markets, geopolitics and our trading relationships, we have an obligation to understand the opportunity in front of us. Asking the questions, examining the evidence and doing that work together with First Nations is exactly where we should begin.”
Reliable and competitively priced energy is a fundamental input to industrial competitiveness, investment, jobs and economic growth. Natural gas continues to serve industrial, commercial and electricity-sector customers across the Maritimes, and the region faces particular challenges because of its location at the end of the North American pipeline system.
“Atlantic Canada’s challenge is not simply whether natural gas exists elsewhere in North America,” said Robichaud. “The issue is whether our businesses, communities and electricity systems can access reliable, competitively priced, firm supply when we need it, particularly during periods of high winter demand.”
The Centre looks forward to supporting a fact-based discussion over the coming months.
Read more from the Government of New Brunswick: Government launches public review of natural gas development
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ABOUT THE ATLANTICA CENTRE FOR ENERGY
The Atlantica Centre for Energy provides a unique meeting ground for industry, government, the education and research sectors, and the community at large to foster partnerships and proactively engage in energy-related issues. As the voice for energy in the region, the Centre’s membership represents some of the largest employers, energy producers, distributors, and consumers in the region.
Media Contact:
Michelle Robichaud, President
Atlantica Centre for Energy
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 506-636-1110
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