August 2, 2013
Noel Augustine, Geptin
Mi’kmaq Grand Council
Signigtog District,
New Brunswick
Dear Geptin Augustine:
We the undersigned community groups stand with you in serving this Notice of Eviction to SWN Resources Canada and any subsidiary company or contractor engaged in shale gas exploration or development in the Territory of Signigtog.
The government of New Brunswick has acted all along in a unilateral, undemocratic manner. It has made no attempt to consult with your people. It has ignored your declarations, your rights and titles.
It has refused to listen to the grassroots movement which gains ground every day. It has refused to make a health risk assessment even though its Chief Medical Officer has strongly suggested one. It ignores the compelling evidence that unconventional shale gas mining threatens our health, our environment and the well being of future generations.
But though the government of New Brunswick acts as if we do not exist, it works hand in glove with Southwestern Energy Company (SWN). Its latest gesture of goodwill gave this company permission to test across our wetlands and watercourse buffers in eight counties.
Under these circumstances when democratic processes are cast aside, when we are being forced to choose between hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas and health, it is an honour to stand with you and your people.
In Solidarity we are:
Conservation Council of NB
Council of Canadians, Fredericton
Council of Canadians, Saint John
Darlings Island Nauwigewauk Fracking Intervention
New Brunswickers Against Fracking
Friends of Mt. Carelton
Friends of the UNB Woodlot
Memramcook Action
New Brunswickers Against Fracking
Tantramar Alliance Against Hydro-Fracking
Upriver Environment Watch
Water and Environmental Protection for Albert County