[Sust-mar] Fracking - Continue the Moratorium - Sign on to Joint Statement

[Barbara Harris]

Fracking - Continue the Moratorium - Sign on to Joint Statement 

In a short time, the NS provincial government will decide whether to continue the moratorium on fracking. This is a critical time to let the government know you support a 10 year legislated moratorium. If you belong to an organization or group, large or small, please consider signing on to this joint statement on fracking, to show the government that opposition to fracking is strong throughout our province. 

The statement with supporting groups is posted at www.nofrac.com, and will be updated as new groups sign on. 
 
K’JIPUKTUK (Halifax) -- The panel reviewing hydraulic fracturing in Nova Scotia has completed its community information sessions across the province. Dr. Wheeler has been clear that much is still unknown about the risks and benefits to Nova Scotians. 
 
During this review, the Native Council of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association have announced their official opposition to fracking. 
 
Given that:
•    All three political parties have stated that the existing moratorium will remain until fracking is proven to be safe;
•    The panel has not proven that there is common understanding of the full extent of risks associated with fracking;
•    The panel has not proven that fracking can be done safely at this point in time; 
and that
•     Members of the aboriginal community have indicated that they do not give their consent for hydraulic fracturing.
 
We, the undersigned organizations, call for a legislated moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in Nova Scotia for at least ten years. 
 
We also recognize Indigenous title rights as upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada, and that a moratorium on fracking must remain in place until the Mi’kmaq community give their consent.