(Letter available for download here. Ici en Francais)
Fredericton, February 27 2013
Honourable Craig Leonard Energy and Mines Minister
CC: Honourable Bruce Fitch, Environment and Local Government Minister Honourable David Alward, Premier of New Brunswick
Dear Minister Leonard,
We are a group of 29 associations, organizations and unions representing [tens of] thousands of New Brunswickers, rural and urban; Anglophone, Francophone and Aboriginal.
"Your release of new rules for the oil and gas industry on February 15 2013 presumes that you have a mandate from the public"
Your release of new rules for the oil and gas industry on February 15 2013 presumes that you have a mandate from the public. We believe that you have no such mandate and are not entitled to release these rules or take any further steps to proceed with the extraction of shale gas in New Brunswick. We base our claim on the following REASONS:
“Shale gas and hydraulic fracturing were never mentioned in your Party‘s 2010 electoral platform”
(1) Shale gas and hydraulic fracturing were never mentioned in your Party‘s 2010 electoral platform. You cannot claim that your voters were aware that you were using the term ‘natural gas’ as a synonym for the above.
(2) You have a responsibility to protect the public from environmental harm. There is growing scientific and anecdotal evidence that shale gas extraction is an activity that can potentially cause significant harm. Therefore, you cannot allow such activity until the risks are fully assessed. Such assessment can be done without exposing the public to the actual risks, which is what you are in fact doing by allowing exploration and drilling. Ignoring your responsibility to protect the public cannot possibly be called ‘responsible’. Therefore, your current plans cannot be reconciled with the statement in your 2010 platform that you will “support the responsible expansion of the natural gas sector in New Brunswick”.
“You have a responsibility to protect the public from environmental harm”
(3) The two points above clearly show you do not have a mandate to renew existing licenses related to shale gas exploration or drilling, or to grant new ones. We believe doing so is undemocratic and irresponsible, for the aforementioned reasons.
(4) You have never held public meetings to consult with your constituents about the decision to move ahead with shale gas, even though you have been requested to do so. Shale gas licensees have conducted open houses, and you hired Dr. LaPierre to solicit feedback on an earlier version of the new rules. However, industry marketing exercises and Dr. LaPierre’s pro forma consultation, where no elected officials were present, are no substitutes for a meaningful two-way consultative process.
“You do not have a mandate to renew existing licenses related to shale gas exploration or drilling, or to grant new ones”
(5) You do not have the free, prior, and informed consent of the First Nations in this province to explore, license or mine for shale gas, which is a requirement under Canada's own rule-of-law.
“You have never held public meetings to consult with your constituents about the decision to move ahead with shale gas”
(6) You have ruled out a moratorium on shale gas based on false claims. Specifically, in your Statement to the Legislative Assembly on the future of the oil and gas industry in New Brunswick made on November 28th 2012, you claimed that both Dr. LaPierre’s and Dr. Cleary’s reports came to the same conclusion – a moratorium on shale gas exploration is neither required nor desirable in New Brunswick. This claim has no basis in fact, as shown in the next three points.
"Consult on the question of whether the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Peoples of New Brunswick want the shale gas industry to operate within provincial boundaries"
(7) You did not give a mandate to Dr. LaPierre to make recommendations on a moratorium on shale gas. We understand this decision, since we perceive he may be in a conflict of interest on this subject, given he is a Director of NB Power. The latter has expressed interest in converting some power generation facilities to natural gas and hence has a vested interest in the development of a local shale gas industry.
“You have ruled out a moratorium on shale gas based on false claims”
(8) Yet Dr. LaPierre created his own, ethically questionable, mandate and ruled out a moratorium on shale gas, and you made his conclusion yours. You seemingly did not pay attention to the fact that he did not derive such conclusion from the content of his report or the input he received from the public. Rather, he derived it from fallacious arguments such as that a moratorium is incompatible with a science-based approach and would leave the issues undefined. Therefore, you cannot claim that his report came to that conclusion, or that the conclusion is based on sound evidence or perceived public will. The conclusion is rather Dr. LaPierre’s biased and flawed personal opinion.
“Any inferred comment on a moratorium was not the intention or the point of my report”
- Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eilish Cleary
(9) Dr. Cleary’s report drew no conclusions on a moratorium, and does not even contain the word ‘moratorium’. When asked about this, Dr. Cleary has stated that “any inferred comment on a moratorium was not the intention or the point of my report”. Furthermore, some of us brought to your attention the falsehood of your claim about Dr. Cleary’s report and asked you to retract it, a demand that you ignored. Therefore you cannot claim you were not aware of this misrepresentation.
“You have not substantiated your claim that the benefits for the people of New Brunswick will outweigh the risks you intend to subject them to”
(10) You have not substantiated your claim that the benefits for the people of New Brunswick will outweigh the risks you intend to subject them to. The experience of people living in various shale plays across North America is that the purported benefits do not trickle down to the society at large, while extensive environmental, health and social problems do.
Considering the above, we DEMAND that your government:
(1) Bring the following to an immediate stop: ongoing shale gas exploration, the granting of any new licenses for exploration or wells, and the renewal of existing ones.
(2) Reopen the case for a moratorium and commission an independent panel of scientists with no conflict of interest with industry to review it.
(3) Apologize to the public for the false claims ruling out a moratorium and publicly retract them.
(4) Consult on the question of whether the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Peoples of New Brunswick want the shale gas industry to operate within provincial boundaries. We believe the consultative process should not start until (i) the risks are fully assessed; and (ii) a credible scenario-based business case is developed to assess potential benefits.
We kindly ask that you reply promptly and publicly to this letter.
Respectfully,
29 organizations, associations and unions of New Brunswick
(please see alphabetical list below)
Canadian Union of Public Employees New Brunswick (CUPE NB) CCNB Action Citizens Coalition for Clean Air Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis Council of Canadians – Saint John Chapter Council of Canadians – Fredericton Chapter Darlings Island Fracking Intervention Naguwigewauk ecoFredericton Sustainable Living Inc. Fredericton & District Labour Council Friends of Mount Carleton Friends of the UNB Woodlot Hampton Water First Maliseet Grand Council Memramcook Action New Brunswickers Against Fracking New Brunswick Senior Citizens Federation National Farmers Union New Brunswick (NFU NB) Notre Environnement, Notre Choix Parents Against Everyday Poisons Penniac Anti-Shale Gas Organization Quality of Life Initiative Sierra Club Atlantic Sikniktuk Mi'kmaq Rights Coalition Stanley Area Action Group Taymouth Community Association Tantramar Alliance Against Hydrofracking Upper Miramichi Stewardship Alliance Upriver Environment Watch Water and Environmental Protection for Albert County
NEWS RELEASE - Council of Canadians, Fredericton, NB Chapter, 25 February 2013
New Shale Gas Rules A Red Herring Diverting From Real Issue
FREDERICTON – Rather than paving the way for the government plans, the new rules for the oil and gas industry released on Friday, February 15th 2013 by Ministers Leonard and Fitch are becoming the object of a growing controversy. Today, 17 community groups came to the same conclusion that the new rules are a red herring trying to deflect attention from the worrying fact that they have ruled out a moratorium on shale gas based on false claims.
“Moreover, the media have a duty to prevent government from deceiving the public. It is high time to set the record straight”
In a statement made November 28th, 2012 in the Legislature about the future of the oil and gas industry in New Brunswick, Energy Minister Leonard claimed that both Dr. LaPierre’s and Dr. Cleary’s reports came to the same conclusion – a moratorium on shale gas exploration is neither required nor desirable in New Brunswick.
“This claim is fraudulent”, affirms Dr. Castilla, a member of the Fredericton Chapter of the Council of Canadians and Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary. “The remarks about a moratorium appearing in the conclusion section of Dr. LaPierre's report do not stem from the content of his report or the input he received from the public. Rather, they are based on fallacious arguments such that a moratorium is incompatible with a science-based approach and would leave undefined the issues. But then how can a moratorium ever finish if the issues that prompted it are not defined?” asks Dr. Castilla.
“The remarks about a moratorium appearing in the conclusion section of Dr. LaPierre's report do not stem from the content of his report…”
“We also have to remember that Dr. LaPierre is a Director of NB Power, which has expressed interest in converting to natural gas some of its power generating stations. Hence it is possible that the flaws in his reasoning are intentional”, speculated Dr. Castilla. “In any case, when someone tells you that a report came to this or that conclusion, you expect something that follows from the report itself and not from a personal opinion which on top of that is biased”, explained Dr. Castilla.
“Even more striking is the misrepresentation of the conclusions of Dr. Cleary’s report, which does not even contain the word moratorium. How can you reach a conclusion on something you don’t even mention?” Dr. Castilla asks.
“The misrepresentation of Dr. Cleary’s report is clearly intentional”
“The misrepresentation of Dr. Cleary’s report is clearly intentional”, argues Mark D’Arcy, a spokesperson for the Friends of the UNB Woodlot. “On November 30, 2012 I sent an email to Mr. Leonard bringing to his attention the falsehood of his claim and asking him to publicly retract from it, but he never got back to me. This is very relevant, because this claim is a center piece in the government’s rationale to move ahead with shale gas”, Mr. D’Arcy continued. “Moreover, the media have a duty to prevent government from deceiving the public. It is high time to set the record straight”, concluded Mr. D’Arcy.
The Fredericton Chapter of the Council of Canadians and 16 organizations and community association across New Brunswick are demanding that the case for a moratorium be reopened and revised by an independent panel of scientists with no conflict of interest with industry.
NEWS RELEASE - Council of Canadians, Fredericton N.B. Chapter, 21 February 2013
New shale gas rules put the cart before the horse
FREDERICTON– The new rules for the oil and gas industry released on Friday, February 15th 2013 by Ministers Leonard and Fitch are starting to backfire on the government. Today, 17 community groups all agreed that the Alward government is putting the cart before the horse by hastily moving the shale gas file ahead without having obtained or sought the consent of Aboriginal Peoples and the rest of the people in New Brunswick.
"There is growing scientific and anecdotal evidence that shale gas extraction is an activity that can potentially cause significant harm”
“Premier Alward’s claim that New Brunswickers had their say on the issue during the 2010 provincial election is stretching the truth”, commented Dr Jean Louis Deveau, a social scientist and chair of the Fredericton Chapter of the Council of Canadians. “Shale gas and hydraulic fracturing were never mentioned in the PC Party platform. The PC’s statement was that they would support the responsible expansion of the natural gas sector in New Brunswick. This cannot be taken as a carte blanche for developing a shale gas industry”, asserts Dr Deveau. “The government has the responsibility of protecting the public from environmental harm. There is growing scientific and anecdotal evidence that shale gas extraction is an activity that can potentially cause significant harm. Ignoring this responsibility by moving ahead without having thoroughly assessed the risks and without a credible business case cannot possibly be called ‘responsible’; therefore their current plans cannot be reconciled with their 2010 platform statement”, concluded Dr. Deveau.
“We maintain that proper duty to consult with Aboriginal Peoples has not been executed and so this development cannot proceed under Canada's own rule-of-law”
“Our Government has never held public meetings to consult with their constituents about the decision to move ahead with shale gas, even though they have been requested to do so”, argues Jim Emberger of the Taymouth Community Association. “Oil& Gas companies like SWN Resources have been by with open houses, and Dr LaPierre toured the province asking for feedback about an earlier version of the new rules, but this marketing exercise and Dr LaPierre’s pro forma consultation, where no elected officials were present, are no substitutes for a meaningful two-way consultative process.”
“Our Government has never held public meetings to consult with their constituents about the decision to move ahead with shale gas even though they have been requested to do so”
Consent from Aboriginal Peoples could even be a harder nut to crack for the Alward government. “We maintain that proper duty to consult with Aboriginal Peoples has not been executed and so this development cannot proceed under Canada's own rule-of-law”, emphasized Brian Francis, spokesperson for the Sikniktuk Mi'kmaq Rights Coalition.
"The government of New Brunswick does not have the free, prior, and informed consent of the Maliseet People to explore, license or mine for shale gas"
"The government of New Brunswick does not have the free, prior, and informed consent of the Maliseet People to explore, license or mine for shale gas", asserted Alma Brooks of the Maliseet Grand Council. Chief Candice Paul of the Saint Mary’s First Nation is even more stringent: “Under our Peace and Friendship Treaty, we have not ceded any land. We have not given up title to any land in this Treaty area. So, this is the basis from where we need to talk before anyone can move ahead with any type of resource development in the province of New Brunswick”, she said shortly after Minister Leonard’s and Fitch’s press conference.
Can We Follow Germany’s Route to Renewable Energy?
Keith Helmuth
In the early 1970’s I attended a conference on long-term agricultural planning at the federal Research Centre in Fredericton where I had a memorable conversation with a soil scientist from Ottawa. He was as frustrated with the conference as I was but for a somewhat different reason.
I was stymied by an almost contemptuous dismissal of organic agriculture. He was out of sync with his fellow professionals on long term planning because, as he put it, “All they want to talk about is how to increase production in the next five or ten years, and I want to talk about how we are going to feed ourselves when we can no longer feed our combine-harvesters.”
This man already knew something about the end of the road for oil and the crisis it portends for industrial civilization. The science and practice of organic farming has come a long way since then, but, unfortunately, the governments of Canada and the US have not yet taken seriously what it will mean for the energy source on which our economies now run to become less and less available and more and more expensive.
Since 1981 the rate of discovery of new oil deposits worldwide has fallen steadily below the rate of increase in demand. According to oil industry analysts, the new drilling technologies that can now tap previously inaccessible sites have not changed this scenario. Not only are oil reserves rapidly diminishing, industrial civilization is burning oil at a steadily increasing rate.
If we don’t plan for an orderly transition from oil dependency to renewable energy, we will likely be left in the lurch not only by a supply crunch and a price spike, but by other nations and regions of the world that have already gone into overdrive with their public policies and infrastructure planning for the transition to renewable energy.
I know there are those who scratch their heads and say it can’t be done, not here in New Brunswick, and not here in Canada. It’s too cold, too cloudy, the wind is too intermittent, and above all (perhaps) people want their electricity as cheaply as possible.
Others argue that fossil fuels are the life-blood of our economy and we have to make maximum use of then to generate more economic growth and more wealth. Otherwise, how will we ever get ourselves out of our current debt and deficit hole, both provincially and nationally? Everyone seems to agree that economic growth is the David for our debt Goliath.
I am happy to say there is plenty of evidence that New Brunswick is not too cold, too cloudy, or insufficiently windy to make a combination of renewable energy technologies a rapidly growing feature of our energy system and a significant factor in economic growth. The best case study for New Brunswick and for Canada is Germany.
Germany is less sunny on average than New Brunswick, yet during midday on May 24th and 25th of 2012 its solar capacity supplied 22 gigawatts of electricity per hour to the national grid. That’s equal to the output of 20 nuclear power stations. This was close to 50 % of the nation’s midday electricity needs. Of course, this is just a peak which is why the German system combines wind (8.6%), biomass (6%), and solar (6.1%) along with hydro to now have 26% of its electricity generated by renewable energy. Solar is the rising star of this system. Solar power installation and electricity production in Germany grew more than 50% in the first nine months of 2012.
The first key to this growth is the feed-in tariff that provides a powerful economic incentive for anyone with a building and power bill to install solar electric panels. All renewable electricity producers are paid a premium for the power they supply. Individuals, cooperatives and communities own an amazing 65% of the nation’s renewable energy capacity. This change is being driven by private investment because Germany’s energy policy has got the incentives right.
The second key to this success is that the vast majority of the German people understood that to make this feed-in tariff and renewable energy system work, the amount they pay for electricity service needed to increase. Because they want their country to make this transition to renewable energy, they accepted this increase in cost. Honest information, public education, political leadership, and both private and public investment have combined to make Germany a world leader in renewable energy. This has taken broad cooperation and a keen sense of the common good.
It’s true there are people in Germany who have opposed the increased costs of electricity and some special interests that disagree with the national energy policies, but they are marginal to the general support that has rallied behind this growing transition to renewable energy.
Germany now has over 1/3 of the world’s solar electric capacity and they are bounding ahead at an astounding rate. In 2000, 6% of their electricity came from renewables. They set a target of 30% by 2020, but they are now ahead of their projections and expect to make to 35 to 40% by that date. By 2050 they expect to be at 80 to 90%. Some folks might say only the Germans can pull this off, but the fact is other nations in Europe and around the world are following this example and making it work. Why not New Brunswick? Why not Canada? (For further study see the new book, Clean Break: The Story of Germany’s Energy Transformation by Osha Gray Davidson.)
The final point to this story is that the switch to renewable energy is also a boost for economic development at the grass roots level. The move to renewable energy is a job creator. It creates jobs in the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy systems. The recent announcement by Premier Alward that wood pellets will heat two new schools being built in Woodstock is perhaps a small step in this direction. New Brunswick may not yet be manufacturing the furnaces, but it is manufacturing the pellets, and the greater the demand for pellets the more jobs in the industry.
It’s a good sign that the government now has the German firm, Siemens, working on a smart grid for the province. If the government would begin installing solar electric on public buildings, it would be taking a step that would help create good jobs and lower the long-term costs of operating government infrastructure. And if it put a feed-in tariff system place for electricity generated with renewable energy, it would be taking another important step to boost the industry and create still more, good, long lasting jobs. When we see this kind leadership, we will know we are on the way to serious growth in renewable energy, and to a renewal of job creation in the economy.
Keith Helmuth is a member of the Woodstock Sustainable Energy Group (SEG). SEG has just published From Oil Dependency to Renewable Energy: An Energy Transition Guidebook for the Woodstock Region; Assessment, Planning, Resources. Complimentary copies may be obtained by contacting ekhelmuth@mindspring.com">ekhelmuth@mindspring.com
A line of demarcation is falling across our society that has on one side those who believe it is a good thing for Canada to allow and encourage the production and consumption of fossil fuels for as long as we can, and those on the other side who think the extraction and burning of all fossil fuels should be scaled back as rapidly as possibly.
Two recent reports from mainstream international sources have now put a big stick in the wheel of fossil fuel production and consumption. They both come down on the side of those who see the future of sustainable economic development and prosperity in the rapid shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
On November 12 the International Energy Agency released its annual flagship publication, World Energy Outlook, in which it writes, “No more than one-third of proven reserves of fossil fuels can be consumed prior to 2050 if the world is to achieve the 20 C goal.” Two degrees centigrade is the scientifically based, internationally recognized limit for average global warming in order to prevent catastrophic climate change.
On November 19th the World Bank released a new report, Turn Down the Heat: Why a 40 Degree Warmer World Must Be Avoided, in which it writes, “Humankind’s emissions of greenhouse gases are breaking new records every year. Hence we’re on a path towards 4-degree global warming probably as soon as by the end of this century. This would mean a world of risks beyond the experience of our civilization – including heat waves, especially in the tropics, a sea-level rise affecting hundreds of millions of people, and regional yield failures impacting global food security.”
“If we venture far beyond the 2 degree guardrail, towards 4 degrees, we risk crossing tipping points in the Earth system. …. The only way to avoid this is to break with the fossil-fuel-age patterns of production and consumption. …. Lack of action on climate change threatens to make the world our children inherit a completely different world than we are living in today….. we need to assume the moral responsibility to take action on behalf of future generations….”
Take note: This is the World Bank speaking, not a so-called “radical environmentalist organization.” Where does this leave our Provincial enthusiasm for the oil sands pipeline project?
We could say, “Well, this oil is going to be produced and consumed anyway, so why shouldn’t NB get a piece of the action and benefit financially by helping route it to the world market? Why shouldn’t Alberta maximize the production of its oil sands resource and create as much wealth for itself as it can? Why shouldn’t Canada create a national energy policy for ramping up its fossil fuel resources to serve the world market?”
These questions appear quite rational, until you begin to plot them against the scientific risk assessment that informs the IEA and the World Bank reports, and until you begin to factor in moral responsibility.
Admittedly, the thought of leaving two thirds of known fossil fuel deposits in the ground is, perhaps, the most difficult thought we can imagine. How can this calculation possibly be taken into account? Yet, if we don’t take it into account how can we possibly run the risk that the IEA and the World Bank now lay before us?
This is a huge question that goes to the heart of both business and political leadership. How it is answered will determine whether global warming will rise to a level that renders a large a part the earth humanly uninhabitable.
At the moment, it seem unlikely that either business or political leadership in Canada will do anything except maximize the wealth that can be created from the extraction and consumption of fossil fuels. The enthusiasm of NB political, business and labour leaders for the oil sands pipeline to Saint John is perfectly in sync with this wealth maximizing strategy.
Unfortunately, this strategy can be employed only by radically discounting the long-term wellbeing of our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren both at home and around the world. Is this acceptable? If not, what is the option?
A good start would be a scaling up of renewable energy development comparable to the industrial strategy and social cooperation that enabled the winning of World War Two. In the light of the IEA and World Bank reports, responding rationally to the global climate crisis requires something like this historic effort. In addition to helping mitigate long-term global warming, a national and provincial energy policy that goes full tilt for solar energy would create significant employment opportunities and long lasting economic benefit.
The window is closing on fossil fuels, one way or the other. Burning them out to the end of available supplies, according the IEA and the World Bank, will be a disastrous closing that will, for example, turn a large part of the planet’s best farmland into desert.
Winding down the fossil fuel era by shifting rapidly to solar energy is the rational alternative. Those who doubt this can be done in our climate should check out what is happening in Germany – a place that has less solar energy potential than NB, but is bounding ahead in making this shift.
Why the difference? Leadership, smart policy, incentives, investment. Put “Germany solar energy 2050” into Google for an eye opening look at what is possible.
Keith Helmuth is a member of the Woodstock Sustainable Energy Group (SEG). SEG has just published From Oil Dependency to Renewable Energy: An Energy Transition Guidebook for the Woodstock Region; Assessment, Planning, Resources. Complimentary copies may be obtained by contacting ekhelmuth@mindspring.com">ekhelmuth@mindspring.com
Have you checked out the changes to the provincial election ridings? The CBC has a link to a great map which will show you any riding in the province – as it is now and as it is proposed to be. The Electoral Boundaries and Representation Commission is currently holding public meetings and accepting comments on its proposal. There has been back-lash from some small communities across New Brunswick who feel that the new boundaries do not respect their community ties.
From my point of view, it seems that our democratic institutions are being steadily eroded. Alex Himelfarb,a former Clerk of the Privy Council, has written a great commentaryon how we are moving from a democratic society to a market society and “bargain basement citizenship.”
The Canadian Labour Congress has just published its report, “What Did Corporate Tax Cuts Deliver?” In 2011, January 20th was “Corporate Tax Freedom Day.” By that date, corporations had already had enough income to cover their share of provincial and federal taxes for the rest of the year. Corporations also managed to hoard $72 billion more in 2011 than the previous year.
And the proof of all of this is in the pudding. In October 2012, “How are Canadians Really Doing?” was published by the Canadian Index of Well Being Network out of the University of Waterloo. The index measures eight factors of well-being such as environment, education, leisure and living standards. The findings in this report show that “from 1994 to 2010, while Canada’s GDP grew by a robust 28.9%, improvements in Canadians’ well-being grew by a considerably smaller 5.7%. Despite years of prosperity, our economic growth has not translated into similarly significant gains in our overall quality of life. Even more concerning is the considerable backslide Canadians have experienced since 2008. Following the recession of 2008, Canada’s GDP dropped by 8.3%, but shows signs of slow recovery in 2010. In contrast, the impact of the recession on the CIW was a stunning 24% decline and shows no such sign of recovery to even the modest gains made up to 2008.”
If you are interested in ongoing discussions about democracy in Canada, the Samara Institute has just released a report on the House of Commons and how well they are doing in addressing the priorities of Canadians. This month they are also hosting a blog series “Redesigning Parliament”.
Here’s the scenario. The NBEN office is on the third floor of the tower in the Peace Centre in Moncton. Due to electrical problems resulting in no electricity (read: no lights or elevators), on Sunday afternoon the Peace Centre announces that they are closed. Meanwhile, on Monday, the NBEN is scheduled for a big meeting on climate change adaptation. Guess the venue? You guessed right - the Peace Centre.
Lynne to the rescue! Not only does she find a new venue for 30 people on Sunday night, she climbs and re-climbs the dark stairwell of the Peace Centre, flashlight in hand, to haul out the NBEN supplies, flip chart stands, projectors, etc. What a woman!
Gulls are present in virtually all habitats in southern New Brunswick yet often don’t receive the same level of attention of many other bird groups. Identification of even our most common gulls can be challenging as they take from two to four years to attain their adult plumages. Would you like to learn more about our gulls and improve your identification skills? If so, Nature Moncton is offering a comprehensive workshop led by NB naturalist, Nelson Poirier of Moncton. The workshop will take place at the Tankville School, 1665 Elmwood Dr. in Moncton. For those coming on the TCH take exit 459 going north on Elmwood Dr. on Rte. 115 with the Tankville School 3.4 km from the exit ramp.
This workshop will include:
Specie by specie accounts concentrating on the commonly encountered gulls and brief overviews for what to watch for with rarer gulls that may be encountered in the region
Background on gull behaviour, life history and ecological roles
Information on how to identify gulls in their various immature and adult plumage
Seating is limited: please pre-register with Judi Berry-Steeves at 387-4778 or email Judi at jbsteeve@nbnet.nb.ca">jbsteeve@nbnet.nb.ca. Registration is $6 payable at the door to cover costs.
The Daily Gleaner - Letters to the editor, 23 January 2013
Re: Shale gas development
Curiously, Minister of Health Ted Flemming, Dr. LaPierre, geologist Adrian Park and some letter-to–the-editor writers use identical language to claim that opponents of shale gas rely on inaccurate data from the film Gasland, and indulge in hysterical fear mongering.
How dishonest, hypocritical and desperate! Unable to convince the public about the wonders of shale gas, they attempt to discredit the opposition.
Gasland served as a wake-up call several years ago, but has been superseded by much history and science. I can’t remember any public forum in two years where it was cited as a reference.
Shale opponents cite Dr. Anthony Ingraffea, international expert in rock fracturing, peer-reviewed scientific studies in prestigious journals, the US EPA, the Lawrence Livermore Laboratories, government records of violations, and the industry’s own reports of failure.
We cite the only long-term public health study by the University of Colorado, and The Endocrine Disruption Exchange on the toxicity of fracking chemicals. We point to the scholarly report done by New Brunswick’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Eilesh Cleary, which notes that we know almost nothing about shale’s public health threats.
Recent peer-reviewed studies from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Colorado are cited showing that shale worsens climate-change.
Economists, financial analysts, science-based non-profit organizations, and the testimonies of people affected by shale gas from across North America are our sources. We’ve brought many expert speakers to the New Brunswick public.
Where are the voices for the pro side? We hear only from gas-producing interests. Where are the independent studies proving that wells don’t leak, that water doesn’t get contaminated and air isn’t polluted, that there are no health problems, that methane isn’t leaking, that fracking chemicals aren’t toxic/carcinogenic, that roads aren’t destroyed, that quality of life doesn’t suffer, that shale gas’s boom and bust economic shell game doesn’t leave a place worse off? The silence is deafening.
We offered to debate publicly, but government and industry were no-shows.
The government merely repeats the totally false and unsupported idea that shale gas is our only economic hope. Talk about fear mongering propaganda.
Like a shooting star bursting into the gloom of New Brunswick’s economic life, the prospect of a pipeline bringing Alberta crude to the Irving oil refinery in St. John has caught the attention of political leaders and pundits.
There seems to be a deep conditioning in our culture for pinning our hopes on the coming of a miracle-like economic transformation that will, in the words of Frank McKenna, be a “game changer.”
This is not the first time NB has looked to development of this kind for a great economic boost. The building of the Mactaquac hydroelectric dam was accompanied by the promise that the Saint John Valley would become like the Ruhr Valley in Germany – a site of intense industrial development.
Then the Point Lepreau nuclear plant was sold to the Province in the fading days of the nuclear industry’s promise of producing electricity “too cheap to meter.” It has turned out to be more expensive than any other generating source and has spawned no noticeable spin-off of industrial development.
Then came the first “McKenna miracle” with a great influx of call-centers. But they rose and fell like the passing of the seasons. Then came the Graham government’s dream of a “great energy hub” centred in southern NB that included a second nuclear plant at Point Lepreau to serve the New England market. The market disappeared and so did the dream.
Next up on the roster of “game changers” we have the potential of shale gas, which may or may not be a goose with a golden egg for the Province. It may turn out to be short term gain with long term environmental costs and damaged property values.
And now we have the promise of 6000 construction jobs delivered by the mega-project of pipeline construction for bringing bitumen from Alberta. And then what? When the construction is done, will the workers have to go back to Alberta to help dig up more bitumen until it’s gone? Is this a “game changer” or just another version of the same old game of looking for a mega-project miracle.
Is there a way New Brunswick can develop an economy that is not continually in search of a “game changer?”
Maybe, if we start thinking like Wayne Gretzky. When asked about the secret of his success, he replied, “I skate where the puck is going to be.” If we translate that strategy into thinking about energy, we might get a lead on where a new platform of sustainable economic development could come from.
Historically, every society has been based on a dominant energy resource. Our society is now based on the “miracle” of oil. Petroleum came into the economic life of North America, and then the whole world, like a shooting star, fueling great swaths of technological innovation and virtually miraculous economic growth.
Those of us old enough to have lived through the great transformation of the oil era, know how “miraculous” this energy resource has been. Those born into the high point of its trajectory just think of it as normal, and now, being in charge of the economy, see continuing to maximize its benefits as a rational course of action. But is it?
Like a shooting star, the oil era has a trajectory and it is now bending toward the horizon of depletion. Oil that is now being found through fracking does not reverse this depletion. Oil production worldwide is flat-lining, yet global demand for oil is increasing at almost a million barrels annually. And the faster we collectively burn it, the steeper the curve to depletion.
In this context, a new pipeline is not so much a game changer, as it is part of an endgame for the decline of the oil era. The more we ramp it up, the quicker the era of easy and inexpensive oil will fade. Is this the best way to invest our resources and prepare for a different energy future? It’s time to skate where the next energy “puck” is going to be.
No one disagrees that the next energy future is in renewables, and especially in solar energy. The question is, are we planning to burn all the fossil fuels we can before getting serious about solar and other renewable energy technologies? If so, the term “game changer” takes on an ominous new meaning. Climate scientist, James Hansen, along with others, has calculated the effect of completely exploiting the Alberta oil sands and advises that this source of fossil fuel alone is enough make it “game over for the climate.”
A report just released by the highly respected International Energy Agency has startled everyone by saying that two-thirds of the world’s known fossil fuel reserves must be left in the ground if we expect to retain a liveable climate for human civilization. This is a real head shaker.
The “game changer” we need – that the whole world needs – is a shift to renewable energy as rapidly as possible so most of what’s left of earth’s fossil fuel deposits can be remain safely in the ground. This shift is obviously needed at a global level, but the political jurisdictions and the industrial capacity of highly developed regions must take the lead in this transformation – and this includes New Brunswick.
You might ask, but what can we do? For one thing, the NB government could immediately mandate all new public building to not only be energy neutral, but, in so far as possible, be energy producers. There is no mystery about how be to do this. Germany is doing it.
Second, the government could begin a program of retrofitting all public buildings toward energy neutral and energy producing standards. This leadership would begin the build up of renewable energy businesses and increased employment across the Province. This is not flashy development, but it would result in solid, incremental gains that would help move our Province into the renewable energy future, and, in the long term planning perspective, save the government a whack of money on future energy costs.
Third, a no-cost-to-government financing plan for home and business owner conversion to renewable energy could be put in place in every community. Again, this financing innovation has been well developed in other jurisdictions and needs only to be copied and implemented. (Google Energy Financing Districts for further information.) Good, long lasting employment would be increased by the steady conversion of home after home and business after business to renewable energy.
Fourth, the NB government and NB Power could reset their policy and planning priorities around the creation of a smart grid that helps build up and serve a distributed energy network moving more and more to the link up and coordination of renewable energy generating sites.
These steps may not have the feel of a dramatic, “game changing” miracle, but they would help get NB in sync with the coming energy platform on which continued prosperity will more and more depend.
Keith Helmuth is a member of the Woodstock Sustainable Energy Group (SEG). SEG has just published From Oil Dependency to Renewable Energy: An Energy Transition Guidebook for the Woodstock Region; Assessment, Planning, Resources. Complimentary copies may be obtained by contacting ekhelmuth@mindspring.com">ekhelmuth@mindspring.com
The federal Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Scott Vaughn, has resigned effective April 1, 2013. Mr. Vaughn has been the Commissioner since 2008 and his term does not end for another 2 years. The Commissioner’s office is within the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. During his time as Commissioner, he has released numerous reports auditing the government’s effectiveness in achieving its environmental obligations and objectives. His portfolio includes environmental petitions, obligations under the Federal Sustainable Development Act and the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Environment Canada. At the NBEN, we have found Mr. Vaughn and his staff to be very approachable and proactive in ensuring that Canadians have access to the environmental petitions process. Mr. Vaughn has accepted a position as President and CEO at the Manitoba-based International Institute for Sustainable Development.
There is a series of short videos currently under production that explores the under belly of what is happening on Crown lands in NB. Wondering about the pre-Christmas news item about clearcutting all around the scout camp in the north of the province? And the protected area proposed for the Irving family fishing camp? Charles Thériault, the producer of the video series, doesn’t pull any punches. His interviews also include viewpoints from academic experts and ideas on how to do things differently. There is also a petition calling for a revamped Crown Lands and Forests Act. The series is called “Is Our Forest Really Ours?” Check it out!
We are a diverse group of community committees and organizations representing many thousands of New Brunswickers who are actively concerned about the quality of their environment. We are writing you today to express our alarm concerning the direction that you have taken Canada with respect to recent legislation impacting our Aboriginal brothers and sisters.
Bill C-45 has become the latest focus of Aboriginal discontent. The Idle No More protests sweeping our nation and the Chief Theresa Spence hunger strike attest to the level of anger and frustration felt not only by First Nations people but by many other Canadians as well. We agree with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters that much of the legislation in Bill C-45 will repress Aboriginal rights, remove environmental protections and thereby facilitate the irresponsible exploitation of Canada’s natural resources. We would argue that the Bill C-45 legislative process lacked the required “meaningful consultations with indigenous peoples on issues that concern them” as supported by the Supreme Court of Canada. We would also argue that the process circumvented Article 19 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which Canada has endorsed and which provides that
States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislation or administrative measures that may affect them.
We sincerely hope that your government will endeavour to make new attempts at meaningful consultation and new attempts to cooperate in good faith with our Aboriginal population.
Given the grave circumstances and great potential for irreparable harm to First Nations people and their way of life as a consequence of this legislation, we request that you consult with First Nations leadership, including traditional leadership, and rescind those objectionable policies that will be enacted by Bill C-45. We also strongly urge you meet with Chief Theresa Spence and all Aboriginal leadership and embark on a policy of inclusion, reconciliation and renewal of our First Nations communities.
Otherwise we strongly believe that we will have missed a very important opportunity to address past injustices and abuses and failed to ensure the healthy physical and spiritual environments that our First Nations people require to survive and thrive peacefully in Canada.
Sincerely,
Citizens Coalition for Clean Air
Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis
Conservation Council of New Brunswick
Corn Hill and Area Residents Association
Council of Canadians – Fredericton Chapter
Council of Canadians – Saint John Chapter
Friends of Mount Carleton
Hampton Water First
Harvey Environmental Action Team
Memramcook Action
New Brunswickers Against Fracking
Parents Against Everyday Poisions
Taymouth Community Association
Tantramar Alliance Against Hydrofracking
Notre Environnement, Notre Choix
Upriver Environment Watch
Upper Miramichi Stewardship Alliance
Darlings Island Fracking Intervention Naguwigewauk
Friends of UNB Woodlot
Penniac Anti-Shale-Gas Organization
Quality of Life Initiative
Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance
Stanley Area Action Group
Sustainable Energy Group
Sierra Club Atlantic
Maliseet Grand Council
Water and Environmental Protection for Albert County
At long last, the minutes from the NBENs Annual General Assembly, which took place on October 13 in Sackville, are now available for members and associates. The annual report, which outlines all the great accomplishments of environmental groups working together under the umbrella of the NBEN, is also available.
Only members of NBEN member and associate groups have access to these documents. You must first log in to the Eco-Community, click on Member and Associate Section and go to the Minutes and Reports.
The holidays are a season and time for reflection. In a flash, the New Year arrives and with it comes resolutions and many a change. Here at the NBEN there will be one change that some of you (I hope) will notice. After two and a half years with the NBEN, I have decided to accept another position that starts in January. Don’t worry, I am not going far! I am the new coordinator for the Westmorland Albert Community Inclusion Network Co-operative.
This would be a sad little blog entry if I were saying goodbye, but it is not a sad note because I am not saying goodbye, just - see you around and SOON. It has been a pleasure working with everyone over the last few years and I look forward to our future working and social relationships.
Fredericton —Mary Majka, one of Canada’s pioneering conservationists, has been honoured as the first recipient of The Lieutenant Governor’s Award of Excellence in Land Conservation. His Honour Graydon Nicholas presented Majka with the award at Government House during a reception co-hosted by The Nature Trust of New Brunswick.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award of Excellence in Land Conservation was established to mark
the 25th anniversary of The Nature Trust. As Honorary Patron of The Nature Trust of New Brunswick, the Lieutenant Governor initiated the award to recognize individuals and organizations that have had a significant impact on land conservation in New Brunswick through leadership, direct action, and long-term involvement as well as other significant contributions.
Lieutenant Governor Nicholas said Majka’s commitment and actions “exemplify this award and the mission of the Nature Trust. For the past 60 years, since her arrival in New Brunswick, Mary has devoted her time, energy and knowledge to educate, especially the younger generations, in greater understanding, protection and conservation of our environment.”
He hopes Majka’s contribution to preserving the province’s natural heritage will serve as a model to others. “Perhaps others, in learning what Mary has achieved, will be inspired by her leadership.”
Don Dennison, past president of The Nature Trust of New Brunswick, chaired the selection committee, which included representatives of The Nature Conservancy of Canada, Environment Canada, First Nations, and the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources.
He said the committee received several excellent nominees and these deserving individuals and organizations will be considered for future awards. “But we felt it fitting that Majka, who has inspired so many with her dedication and leadership be the first to receive this award.
Dennison spoke about Majka’s role the formation of several conservation and environmental organizations in Canada and New Brunswick, such as the Canadian Nature Federation, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, and the Nature Trust itself. Early on she recognized how much could be accomplished by working together and forming partnerships.
He referred to her efforts to protect birds and bird habitat, especially along the Fundy Coast.
“She defined commitment to the natural world long before it became popular to do. She helped raise awareness of concepts such as ‘overfishing’ our stocks or logging without reforestation practices and their importance to the environment.”
Majka, who has received many honours, said she will “value this prestigious award especially because it represents the Nature Trust's desire to honor individuals who have devoted themselves to protect and defend, as well as to educate New Brunswickers on the values of our natural world.”
She added that from its beginning the Nature Trust has been focused on the immense natural wealth of our province. “In my work, I could not but support, admire and encourage the steady development and important activities of the Trust.”
Majka said her dedication to conservation is fuelled by her passion for nature. "What could be more important than to guard and to protect what is most precious in one's life? For me it is The Natural World around us!”
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is dedicated to identifying, promoting, protecting and maintaining the province's finest remaining ecological landscapes. The Nature Trust stewards 35preserves representing a diversity of ecosystems, and promotes in New Brunswickers respect for and knowledge of their natural surroundings.
Media inquiries:
His Honor, Graydon Nicholas, (506) 453-2505
Mary Majka, Award Recipient, maryspt@mac.com">maryspt@mac.com,
Don Dennison, Past President and Nomination Committee Chair, The Nature Trust of New Brunswick, dondennison@bellaliant.net">dondennison@bellaliant.net; (506) 440-1144
Mary Majka Background
Personal Mary Majka was born almost 90 years ago in Poland. During World War II, she was captured by the Nazis and worked as a forced laborer on an Austrian farm. After the war, she remained in Austria to pursue her medical studies completing her studies for a medical degree.
In 1951 she immigrated to Canada together with her husband Mike, a Polish colleague. She was married for 60 years and had two sons Chris and Marc. Her husband passed away five years ago. For many years, they made their home on Caledonia Mountain, where they studied their natural surroundings and developed an appreciation for the richness and beauty of their surroundings.
As result of her early successes in protecting bird habitat and other efforts, she became recognized as a leader within the emerging environmental movement in the Province.
She continues to be active and is working with the City of Moncton on relocating a covered bridge to create a park on the city water reservoir.
She and her adopted son (her co-worker and now her caregiver), David Christie, live on Mary's Point, New Brunswick.
Education Initiatives For the past 60 years, since her arrival in New Brunswick, Mary has devoted her time, energy and knowledge to educate, especially the younger generations, in greater understanding, protection and conservation of our environment.
She hosted a television program on nature for seven years (1967 -1974), called “Have You Seen?” The program was broadcast throughout New Brunswick, and in adjacent parts of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.
She took school classes outdoors, and conducted workshops for teachers on nature education across the province during the late 1960s and 1970s. She also wrote articles in several publications.
Children’s Nature Centre: In 1969, she established a children’s nature centre in Fundy National Park to educate children about national parks and their role in protecting nature. The Centre was the first in a Canadian national park. More recently, she helped to develop the exhibits at the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre in Bayfield.
Protecting Birds In the early 1960s eagles were hunted and rapidly declining as a species. (The provincial Endangered Species Act was not adopted until 1973.) Mary gathered a number of specialists from universities, the Canadian Widlife Service, and the New Brunswick Museum and drafted a brief requesting protection for birds of prey in New Brunswick. Three years later, in 1967, the provincial Game Act was updated to protect all birds of prey. Through her efforts, the black-capped chickadee became New Brunswick’s provincial bird. Bay of Fundy There were many instances where she came to the defense of birds. She was able to stop logging on Grindstone Island in the Upper Bay of Fundy, which later became a Nature Preserve of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick.
Majka was the driving force in the establishment of the Mary’s Point Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve on the Bay of Fundy.
She and her family donated 100 acres of Fundy Shore for conservation.
Founding and Serving on Organizations for Nature Early on Majka realized the value of working together and forming partnerships. Some examples
In 1971, attended the founding meeting of the Canadian Nature Federation - later served terms as New Brunswick provincial director and Atlantic region vice-president
Served six years as a trustee of the National and Provincial Parks Association of Canada
Pivotal in establishing the New Brunswick Federation of Naturalists. President from 1980-1984. With her leadershp, the Federation developed recommendations on management of Mount Carleton Provincial Park, promoted nature preserves, and greater protection of nesting seabirds at the bird sanctuary on Machias Seal Island, in the Bay of Fundy
Organized the Fundy Hiking Trail Association Inc. and the Fundy Guild
Took part in the founding of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick (Board member from 1976-1985) and the Nature Trust of New Brunswick
President of the Albert County Hertiage Trust from 1985 to 2011
Awards and Honours
Among her many recognitions, she has been honored with the Order of Canada (Member 2006) and the Order of New Brunswick.
She has been the subject of two CBC-TV documentaries. Her life is chronicled in Sanctuary – the Story of Naturalist Mary Majka by Deborah Carr.
Mary is author of a book on Fundy National Park and contributes articles to various publications. Her accomplishments are not only in the field of Nature. Another chapter of great activity concerns her very successful work in the field of preservation and protection of NB Heritage for which she is equally known. One example is her work on commemorating an historic shipyard at the mouth of the Shepody River.
Shale gas development is being discussed by a multitude of folks: neighbours, politicians, youth, health care providers, farmers, and investors. Yet, I find it surprising that there is very limited discussion in the media about the fact that groups and citizens continue to take precious time out of their lives to go directly to the legislature doors to express their concerns. There have been two years of active public outcry by citizens and groups working to ensure that the shale gas conversation is not cut short.
New Brunswick is full of tenacious people who will continue to publicly share their concerns at the NB legislature steps until true dialogue and active citizen-engaged decision-making occurs. Both sides of the shale gas debate deserve the chance to not only discuss concerns, but share their fears and ideas of a vibrant New Brunswick.
Citizens and groups are engaged and invest their time into because they love this place. These people are also a resource that needs to be tapped as a way to help propel NB into the future.
Pour publication immédiate COMMUNIQUÉ 21 novembre 2012
Marche pour interdire la fracturation – Cessez de spéculer avec notre eau et notre air
FREDERICTON NB ---- Une marche à Fredericton qui se terminera par un rassemblement à l’Assemblée législative aura lieu le mardi 27 novembre pour demander de mettre fin à l’exploitation non traditionnelle du gaz naturel au NB.
Au mois de novembre l’an dernier, plus de 20 000 NéoBrunswickois ont demandé d’interdire l’exploration et l’exploitation des gaz de schiste en présentant des pétitions à la Législature. Par ailleurs, durant l’année dernière plusieurs différentes associations au Nouveau-Brunswick ont adopté des résolutions pour soit interdire ou soit imposer un moratoire à l’exploitation non traditionnelle du gaz naturel. Celles-ci incluent :
1)L’Association francophone des municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick regroupant 51 membres (octobre 2011);
2)Le Syndicat des infirmières et des infirmiers du Nouveau-Brunswick comprenant 6 900 membres (décembre 2011);
3)Le Syndicat national des agriculteurs NB regroupant 150 fermes (mars 2012);
4)Le synode des Maritimes de l’Église unie du Canada (mars 2012);
5)Le Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique regroupant 30 000 membres (avril 2012);
6)Le Collège des médecins de famille du Nouveau-Brunswick regroupant 700 membres (avril 2012);
7)Le personnel médical de l’hôpital Mémorial de Sackville (mai 2012);
8)Les médecins de l’Hôpital de Moncton (juin 2012);
9)La Fédération des NéoBrunswickois des zones rurales (FoR NB);
10)Les médecins de l’hôpital Georges Dumont Moncton (septembre 2012);
11)Un nombre de municipalités incluant (Moncton, Sackville, Memramcook, Minto, Stanley, Bathurst, Sussex Corner, Quispamsis).
Marilyn Lerch de l’Alliance de Tantramar contre la fracturation hydraulique constate que : « Le gouvernement du NB n’a donné aucune indication qu’il écoutait tous ces appels pour un moratoire ou une interdiction. » « Au contraire, la toute première proposition à la deuxième session de l’Assemblée législative a ignoré les pétitions et confirmé que la politique de l’administration conservatrice était en faveur de l’exploitation « responsable » des réserves de gaz naturel au Nouveau-Brunswick. »
« Les réserves de gaz naturel au NB ne sont pas traditionnelles, c’est-à-dire qu’elles doivent être extraites par une technologie relativement nouvelle appelée fracturation hydraulique massive fracking, » explique Stephanie Merrill d’Action CCNB. « La fracturation hydraulique est essentiellement un processus industriel contaminant qui injecte des milliards de milliards de litres d’eau mélangés avec des produits chimiques toxiques à des pressions énormes pour faire éclater la pierre et laisser échapper les hydrocarbonés des formations souterraines comme les schistes ou les grès rouges. »
« Des preuves provenant d’autres juridictions ne cessent de démontrer que les risques sanitaires, sociaux et environnementaux sont majeurs et que les avantages économiques sont exagérés, » souligne Guillermo Castilla, professeur adjoint de l’Université de Calgary. « C’est pourquoi notre gouvernement a le devoir de prévenir les dommages et mettre fin à toute exploitation jusqu’à ce l’on puisse démontrer que cette technologie est sécuritaire et qu’un plan d’exploitation complet est présenté. »
« Le but de la marche et du rassemblement de mardi est de se rappeler à la mémoire les pétitions des 20 000 NéoBrunswickois qui ont été ignorées, mais qui demandent la cessation immédiate de l’exploration et de l’exploitation par méthode non traditionnelle du gaz naturel, » affirme Julia Linke du chapitre Fredericton du Conseil des Canadiens. « Cela veut dire l’arrêt immédiat des explorations pour les gaz de schiste, la fin des émissions de tous nouveaux permis et du renouvèlement des permis existants, » précise Dr. Linke.
« Les groupes et les organisations qui se sont déjà joints à cette manifestation ou qui l’ont endossée constituent un véritable échantillon des populations rurales et urbaines du Nouveau-Brunswick, » observe Jim Emberger de l’Association communautaire de Taymouth. « L’opposition à la fracturation ne peut que s’accroitre dans la province, parce que l’administration ne réussit pas à présenter une analyse de rentabilité pour appuyer ses prétentions concernant les emplois et les redevances tout en continuant à affaiblir la protection environnementale de nos zones humides, de nos bassins versants et de notre atmosphère pour faire place à cette industrie. »
Conseillère municipale à Sackville, Margaret Tusz-King prévoit : « L’exploration non traditionnelle du gaz naturel va affecter l’ensemble du Nouveau-Brunswick, ses villes comme ses collectivités rurales » « C’est pourquoi il est intéressant de noter le grand nombre de NéoBrunswickois qui manifestent leur solidarité en s’assemblant pour protester en solidarité lors de l’ouverture de l’Assemblée législative. Ces citoyens montrent clairement qu’ils sont en faveur de l’arrêt d’une entreprise qui pourrait modifier notre paysage à jamais. »
Le mardi 27 novembre, des groupes et des citoyens vont se rappeler le rassemblement de l’an dernier et démontrer leur solidarité avec les 20 000 personnes dont les signatures ont été ignorées, en participant à une marche à Fredericton pour interdire la fracturation. Cette marche pacifique va commencer à 11 h au vieux cimetière et se terminera avec un rassemblement entre midi et 13 heures devant l’édifice de l’Assemblée nationale. De brèves discours seront présentées.
Voici les noms des groupes/organisations qui se sont joints à la manifestation et/ou qui l’ont endossée :
A) Groupes des collectivités : 1) Citizens Coalition for Clean Air, 2) Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis, 3) Friends of Mount Carleton, 4) Hampton Water First, 5) Harvey Environmental Action Team; 6) Memramcook Action, 7) New Brunswickers Against Fracking, 8) Parents Against Everyday Poisons, 9) Taymouth Community Association, 10) Tantramar Alliance Against Hydrofracking, 11) Notre Environnement, Notre Choix, 12) Upriver Environment Watch, 13) Upper Miramichi Stewardship Alliance, 14) Darlings Island Fracking Intervention Naguwigewauk, 15) Friends of the UNB Woodlot, 16) Penniac Anti-Shale-Gas Organization, 17) Quality of Life Initiative, 18) Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance, 19) Stanley Area Action Group, 20) Sustainable Energy Group, 21) Maliseet Grand Council, 22) Water and Environmental Protection for Albert County, 23) Cornhill Area Residents Association and 24) The Federation of Rural New Brunswickers (ForNB)
B) ONG: 1) CCNB Action, 2) Association pulmonaire du NB 3) ecoFredericton Sustainable Living Inc., 4) Conseil des Canadiens, chapitre de Saint-Jean, 5) Conseil des Canadiens, chapitre de Fredericton et Sierra Club Atlantic
C) Organisations professionnelles/Syndicats : 1) Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (SCFP), 2) Syndicat national des fermiers NB (SNF NB), 3) Conseil du travail de Fredericton & District
D) Partis politiques : Parti vert et NPD
E) Jeunes et jeunes adultes : 1) 5e année, classe du chef Harold Sappier École élémentaire Memorial, Première nation St. Mary’s, Fredericton 2) Étudiants et étudiantes de l’université Saint Thomas & de l’UNB, 3) Éco-action groupe de l’université Mount Allison 4) Élèves du Collège des métiers du NB.
F) Groupes Facebook : “New Brunswick is NOT for sale”, “SAY NO TO SHALE GAS IN NEW BRUNSWICK”, “NoShaleGasNB”, “Upriver Environment Watch” et “Ban Hydraulic Fracturing (hydro-fracking) In New Brunswick
For Immediate Release PRESS RELEASE 22 November 2012
Toughest shale gas regulations in North America? – Not anymore
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada – New Brunswick government introduces a loophole that exempts all shale gas operations from the provincial Clean Air Act.
The Alward government has proposed exempting certain businesses from the Clean Air Act implemented in 1997 to protect New Brunswickers from the harmful effects of air pollution. Air pollution results in premature deaths, as well as tens of thousands of hospital administrations and emergency room visits by Canadians experiencing respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
“The Alward government pledged to develop world-class regulations to oversee the shale gas industry – to strengthen existing regulations and not dismantle them,” says Mark D’Arcy, a member of the Fredericton Chapter of the Council of Canadians. In a speech to the Moncton Chamber of Commerce on October 3rd 2011 Premier David Alward said, “We actually have a strong set of policies and regulations already. But we need them to go further to ensure New Brunswickers and our environment will remain protected. And we’ll make sure they do go further. As a matter of fact, we’ll make sure New Brunswick has some of the toughest regulations governing exploration and development on this continent.”
“By relaxing these standards the Alward government is doing exactly the opposite of what it continually promises the public,” says D’Arcy.
Under the current classification (Clean Air Act, 1997), shale gas companies fall under a Class 4 designation. Class 4 criteria require emissions less than: 1) 10 tonnes per year of either sulphur dioxide or particulate matter and 2) 30 tonnes of gas per minute.
The proposed amendment, allegedly targeting small heating plants, reads as follows: ‘if the sulphur dioxide emissions released into the environment are less than 10 tonnes per year and the particulate matter emissions released into the environment are less than 10 tonnes per year, no approval is required…’
Note that the only criteria being targeted for exemption coincidentally relate directly to the manner in which the shale gas industry is currently classified.
“This is like saying that to get your driver’s license you must be 16 or over and pass both written and road tests. However, in another superseding section of the Motor Vehicle Act it would state that anyone 16 or over is exempt from all driving tests. Does this make any sense?” says D’Arcy. “First wetlands, next watersheds, and now air sheds are available for deregulated development.”
Reference: Response to Proposed Amendment to the Air Quality Regulation 97-133 under the Clean Air Act
For Immediate Release PRESS RELEASE November 21, 2011
Walk for a ban on fracking – stop ”fracking“ with our water and air
FREDERICTON NB ---- A citizen march through downtown Fredericton, culminating with a rally at the Provincial Legislature, will take place on Tuesday November 27th to demand a stop to unconventional natural gas development in NB.
In November of last year, over 20,000 New Brunswickers demanded a ban on shale gas development and production with petitions to the Legislature. In addition, many different New Brunswick associations have passed resolutions for either a ban or a moratorium on unconventional natural gas development over the past year. These include:
1) Association francophone des municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick with 51 members (Oct. 2011)
2) New Brunswick Nurses Union with 6900 members (Dec. 2011);
3) NB National Farmers Union with 150 farms as members (March 2012);
4) Maritime Conference of the United Church of Canada (March 2012);
5) Canadian Union of Public Employees with 30,000 members (April 2012);
6) New Brunswick College of Family Physicians with 700 members (April 2012)
7) Medical Staff at Sackville Memorial Hospital (May 2012);
8) Medical Doctors of the Moncton Hospital (June 2012);
9) The Federation of Rural New Brunswickers (FoR NB)
10) Medical Doctors at Georges Dumont Hospital, Moncton (Sept. 2012) and
11) A number of municipalities (Moncton, Sackville, Memramcook, Minto, Stanley, Bathurst,Corner, Quispamsis).
“The NB government has not given any indication that it is willing to listen to any of these calls for a moratorium or ban,” says Marilyn Lerch of the Tantramar Alliance against Hydrofracking. “On the contrary, the very first motion of the Second Session of the Legislative Assembly ignored the petitions and confirmed the Progressive Conservative policy for ’responsible‘ development of New Brunswick’s Natural Gas reserves.”
“Natural gas reserves in NB are unconventional, meaning that they can only be extracted with a relatively new technology called high-volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking)”, explains Stephanie Merrill of CCNB Action. “Fracking is an inherently contaminating industrial process that injects trillions of liters of water laced with toxic chemicals at enormous pressure to break apart rock and release hydrocarbons from underground formations such as shale and sandstone.”
“There is mounting evidence from other jurisdictions that the health, social and environmental risks are serious and the economics are hyped” states Adjunct University of Calgary Professor Guillermo Castilla. “Therefore, our government has a duty to prevent harm and stop any further development until this technology is proven safe and a comprehensive business case is developed”.
“The goal of Tuesday’s walk and rally is to commemorate the 20,000 New Brunswickers whose petition for a ban on fracking was ignored, and to demand an immediate stop to unconventional natural gas exploration and permitting”, says Julia Linke of the Fredericton chapter of The Council of Canadians. “This means an immediate stop to: ongoing shale gas exploration, the granting of any new licenses, and the renewal of existing ones” Dr. Linke itemized.
“The groups and organizations that have already joined or endorsed this event are a real cross-section of both rural and urban New Brunswick” states Jim Emberger of the Taymouth Community Association. “The opposition to fracking is only increasing in this province, as the government fails to produce any business case supporting their claims about jobs and royalties, while it continues to relax environmental protection of our wetlands, watersheds, and air to make way for this industry”.
”Unconventional natural gas exploration will affect all of New Brunswick, cities, towns and rural communities” says Sackville Town Councillor Margaret Tusz-King, “and it is significant that so many New Brunswickers are coming together in solidarity at this Legislature Opening protest, and showing their public support for a stop to a development that could change the face of our picture province forever.”
On Tuesday November 27th, groups and citizens will commemorate last year’s rally, and show solidarity with the 20,000 people whose petition was ignored, with “a walk for a ban on fracking” through Fredericton. The peaceful walk will begin at 11am at the Old Burial grounds and will finish with a rally between noon and 1 pm in front of the Legislature Building with a number of brief speaker presentations.
The groups/organizations that have already joined and/or endorsed this event is as follows:
A) Community groups: 1) Citizens Coalition for Clean Air, 2) Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis, 3) Friends of Mount Carleton, 4) Hampton Water First, 5) Harvey Environmental Action Team; 6) Memramcook Action, 7) New Brunswickers Against Fracking, 8) Parents Against Everyday Poisons, 9) Taymouth Community Association, 10) Tantramar Alliance Against Hydrofracking, 11)Notre Environnement, Notre Choix, 12) Upriver Environment Watch, 13) Upper Miramichi Stewardship Alliance, 14) Darlings Island Fracking Intervention Naguwigewauk, 15) Friends of the UNB Woodlot, 16) Penniac Anti-Shale-Gas Organization, 17) Quality of Life Initiative, 18) Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance, 19) Stanley Area Action Group, 20) Sustainable Energy Group, 21) Maliseet Grand Council, 22) Water and Environmental Protection for Albert County, 23) Cornhill Area Residents Association and 24) The Federation of Rural New Brunswickers (ForNB)
B) NGOs: 1) CCNB ACTION, 2) NB Lung Association 3) ecoFredericton Sustainable Living Inc., 4) Council of Canadians – Saint John Chapter, 5) Council of Canadians – Fredericton Chapter and 6) Sierra Club Atlantic
C) Professional/Trade Organizations: 1) Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), 2) NB National Farmers Union (NFU NB) and 3) Fredericton & District Labour Council
D) Political Parties: Green Party and NDP
E) Youth and Young Adults: 1) Grade 5 Class of Chief Harold Sappier Memorial Elementary School, St. Mary’s First Nation, Fredericton 2) Saint Thomas & UNB Students, 3) Eco-action group of Mount Allison University and 4) NB Craft College Students
F) Facebook Groups: “New Brunswick is NOT for sale”, “SAY NO TO SHALE GAS IN NEW BRUNSWICK”, “NoShaleGasNB”, “Upriver Environment Watch” and “Ban Hydraulic Fracturing (hydro-fracking) In New Brunswick”
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FROM TANTRAMAR COMMUNITY GROUPS
– ENERGY EFFICIENCY RETROFIT PROJECTS -
Energy affects how we live and with increasing concerns surrounding energy resources there exists a need for energy literacy. EOS Eco-Energy is seeking project proposals for an energy efficient retrofit project from non-profit community groups or educational centres. The retrofit project must be made visible and used as a tool for energy literacy in the Tantramar region (Dorchester, Memramcook, Port Elgin and Sackville).
This funding is available on a 50/50 match basis, up to $3,100.00 for the selected project of their choice. To be eligible candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Non-profit community or educational group (i.e.: faith groups, food banks, environmental groups, family groups, youth groups, school group, etc.)
Congratulations to this year’s Environmental Leadership Award winners!
I want to add a special shout out to Meagan Betts, who has taken an active role in the Youth Environmental Action Network, acting as the chair and representative for Fredericton High School Green Team and now EcoAction. I have seen Meagan in action and feel this is a much deserved honour.
Government text here
Environment and Local Government
Winners of Environmental Leadership Awards
06 November 2012
FREDERICTON (GNB) – A presentation was held today in Fredericton to honour the 2012 Environmental Leadership Award recipients and poster contest winners.
“Through this initiative, we are able to recognize these achievements as we highlight the importance of protecting our environment,” said Environment and Local Government Minister Bruce Fitch. “Sharing these initiatives will encourage further environmental stewardship and will have a positive impact on our province. Others can be motivated to follow in the footsteps of those recognized today.”
This year's recipients are:
● Individual Youth – Meagan Betts, Youth Environmental Leader; ● Youth Group – The Sacred Garden Team, Devon Middle School; ● Individual – Pamela Fowler, Municipal Nature Park; ● Business – Rhoda Welshman, ReAction Events; ● Communities, Groups and Organizations – Tobique River Team, Tobique First Nation Community Clean-Up; and ● Lifetime Achievement – Ralph Simpson, Youth Mentorship.
Fitch also announced the winners of the poster contest who illustrated an environmental theme. The winners are:
● Sophie Landry, Save the World; and ● Natasha Barna, Je suis ta Terre.
The awards are presented annually to individuals, communities, groups and businesses that demonstrate exceptional leadership in the enhancement and protection of the environment. A panel of independent judges selected the recipients.
Youth Environmental Leader: A former student of Fredericton High School, Betts dedicated much of her time to enhancing environmental awareness at her school and in her community. She led the school Environmental Club and introduced such ideas as Motorless Mondays, vermiculture composting and a reduced car prom. Outside of school, Meagan chaired the Youth Environmental Action Network.
Youth Group
Devon Middle School – Fredericton
The Sacred Garden Team: In 2011, the Sacred Garden Project was established at Devon Middle School. While promoting a sustainable organic garden, this Outdoor Classroom aims to educate the students and the community about the importance of traditional First Nations' medicines. As students move through the process of germinating the seeds, maintaining and tracking their growth, and transplanting their seeds into the Garden Classroom, they also discover, through traditional teachings, a connection to the Earth, agriculture, history and sustainability. Individual
Pamela Fowler – Riverview
Municipal Nature Park: An environmental science teacher at Riverview High School, Fowler is committed to teaching her students about the environment while using applied approaches to help them identify with the high school curriculum. She initiated the Mill Creek Project, which had her class propose a nature park in Riverview that would connect to the Fundy Biosphere Reserve. Her students surveyed the proposed park, completed water testing and botanical surveys, and presented their findings to the town council. Business
Rhoda Welshman – Saint John
ReAction Events: Concerned for the environment and seeing a niche that needed to be filled, Welsman launched a business, ReAction Events. Focusing on environmentally-friendly parties and events, she aims to reduce the use of plastic products while providing unique, personalized party supplies for her clients. Welshman offers eco-friendly products that are handcrafted and sustainable. Not only are the decorations, table ware, and treat bags environmentally friendly but her parties promote both creative and physical activity.
Community, Group and Organization
Tobique Riverbank Team – Tobique First Nation
Community Clean-up: The Riverbank Team of Tobique First Nation was formed after a need for riverbank stabilization work was identified. Following this project, the team started to look at the community as a whole, and when an opportunity to work with the Valley Solid Waste Commission arose, they led the way. Working together, the team and the commission cleaned up illegal dumpsites in the community, posted signs discouraging dumping and cleaned streams and banks along the river. This spurred the community to promote a clean environment and to hold community clean-up days as well as the clean-up of the demolition site of an old school. Lifetime Achievement
Ralph Simpson – Fredericton
Youth Mentorship: An ecologist and forest pathologist, Ralph Simpson is committed to environmental restoration and youth mentorship. For more than 20 years he has volunteered to develop, obtain funding, lead and execute environmental projects. He has been involved with The Fredericton Backyard Composters, the Fredericton Area Watersheds Association, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, and in 2006 he was the recipient of the Canadian Environment Awards Community Award. Simpson also worked on the Bur Oak Project, where he trained and worked with youth to restore at-risk native species of trees, and the Children's International Summer Villages, where he was an environmental mentor, leading annual trail and stream clean-ups.
If you’ve been wondering how the changes to the Canadian Navigable Waters Protection Act affect us in New Brunswick, here’s the scoop. Since 1882, Canadians lakes, rivers and streams have been protected from development that would impede navigation (pipelines, bridges, power lines, dams, mining and forestry equipment, etc.). Now a body of water has to be listed on Schedule 2 to be protected by the Act. And for NB, what is on Schedule 2? The Saint John River. Open season on all the rest.
[Letter to Editor, The Daily Gleaner October 26 2012]
LaPierre Report Is More Opinion Than Science
I take issue with the recent Gleaner editorial – In our view: Shale gas report is a welcome dose of rationality, science.
First, I don’t see the report itself as any kind of science. There are no references included and the main content of the report does not even accurately reflect the conclusions.
Even a high school science report must include references and have a conclusion that consolidates the information in the body of the report. All one has to do is compare the Cleary health report, with Dr. LaPierre’s, to see how a credible science based government report should be written.
Second, just like our government, the conclusion does not propose any alternatives to not going down the boom bust fossil fuel path. These alternatives were briefly mentioned in the body of the report and talked about by many at the public sessions.
Some of the most successful countries in the world are well on the way to a successful carbon free sustainable economy. It is only a matter of time before every jurisdiction will need to go down this path as fossil fuels – by definition – will not last forever. Early adopters will be in the advantaged position of being world leaders that others will come to as they try to catch up.
Third, we still have no proof that there are any financial benefits to New Brunswickers (or anyone for that matter) for going down this path. The government has no business plan for this industry that considers all the costs including regulation, health and social costs. We have no clue if the revenue potential will cover all of the costs. This is remarkable considering the business approach that is being used to rationalize continual government cost cutting.
Until this costing is done do we want to spend any more public dollars on something that may very well cost us big? A credible report would task the government with first costing this industry before any more development dollars are spent.
I therefore do not consider Dr. LaPierre’s report to be either rational or scientific.
Community Forests International is hosting a mushroom growing workshop Saturday November 3rdfrom 10am-4pm at 10 School Lane in Sackville N.B.
In this workshop participants will explore fungi and the edible mushrooms certain fungal species produce (e.g. shiitake, oyster mushrooms). Mycologist and mushroom enthusiast David Boyle will guide a discussion on the essential roles these organisms play in stimulating plant growth, degrading pollutants, and controlling unwanted insects. This will be followed by a hands-on exploration of several methods for coaxing fungi to produce edible and/or beautiful mushrooms. After this workshop, participants will have a greater understanding of how fungi live and behave and be well on their way to growing their own mushrooms at home or on the farm!
Please dress warmly, as a portion of this workshop will be held in an outdoor classroom space.
The cost is $25.00Please bring your own lunch. Register here.
For more information, call 506 536 3738 or send us an email info@forestsinternational.org
Ken Maybee passed away on October 17, 2012. As CEO of the New Brunswick Lung Association, Ken was a dedicated leader and an advocate for the building of strong links between environmental and health issues. Ken was named to the Order of Canada in July 2012 for his efforts to improve air quality and the health of Canadians. In New Brunswick, Ken was involved in the development of the NB Clean Air Act and the Smoke-free Places Act. He helped to develop air quality standards, including the air quality health index used in many cities. Our condolences to Ken’s wife, his family and friends and to all the staff at the NB Lung Association who have lost a champion.
No words can express how devastated and sorry the New Brunswick Lung Association family is at the recent passing of Kenneth Maybee, our past President and CEO. Across the country the Lung Association staff and all those who knew Ken through his clean air advocacy work are mourning this loss.
Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to Ken's wife and family.
Ken left an amazing legacy both in terms of his professional work and in terms of the many lives he touched in such positive ways.
Ken put the NB Lung Association on the national map, with leading, high profile campaigns on clean air, anti-smoking and other environmental issues. As President and CEO of the NB Lung Association, Ken was a leader, innovator and tireless advocate for the Lung Association and the causes he championed. This is typical of the man he was.
Ken was named to the Order of Canada in July 2012. He was due to receive this prestigious award, as well as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, on 23 November from the Governor General at Government House in Ottawa. Ken was named to the Order of Canada in the category of Social Services, for his efforts to improve air quality and the health of Canadians. His efforts have been described as follows "Mr. Maybee’s personal crusade to make human health the driving force for air quality policies and legislation has been extraordinary". He helped develop air quality standards, including the air quality health index used in many cities. He was instrumental in the introduction of the NB Clean Air Act and the Smoke-free Places Act, which, among other things, bans smoking in vehicles containing children under the age of 16. Locally, he helped the City of Fredericton organize the Canada Day parade and made the parade green by not allowing motorized vehicles to take part.
Obituary
MAYBEE, KENNETH H. - (1937 – 2012) - On Wednesday, 17 October, Ken Maybee passed away in tragic circumstances. Ken’s family is totally devastated at his sudden passing. Born Kenneth Hendrie Maybee in Montreal on 15 June 1937, he is survived by his wife Joan (Ingram) of 50 years and his two children, son Larry (Megan) living in Australia and daughter Kim (Gord) living in Nanaimo, BC. and four dearly loved grandchildren; Ryan, Nicole and Erin Maybee (Australia) and Molly O’Brien (Nanaimo). He also leaves behind his beloved cat, Mikey “they were buddies”. Ken was the youngest of seven children – four boys and two girls – Donald, Theresa, George, Floyd, William and Edna. He is survived by brothers Floyd (Joan) of Alberta, William (Gladys) of California and Edna (John) Tyler of Victoria, BC. He was predeceased by his parents Harry Jacob and Lillian, brothers Donald, George and sister Theresa. He is survived by his many nieces and nephews. Ken lived a 39 year career in the Canadian forces. He joined the Armoured Corps as a boy soldier in 1954. He quickly rose through the ranks, excelling at every course he attempted and appointment he was given. He served with distinction with the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) in Petawawa, Germany and CFB Gagetown and with the 12e Regiment Blinde du Canada (12e RBC) in Valcartier, Quebec. During his military career, Ken served three different tours with NATO in Germany, four in Egypt and one in Cyprus. His notable appointments included Sergeant-Major of several Squadrons, in 12e RBC and at the Armoured School at the Combat Training Centre, CFB Gagetown. He was Regimental Sergeant-Major of 12e RBC, Chief Warrant Officer at Army Headquarters in St. Hubert, Quebec, and Command Chief Warrant Officer of Canadian Forces in Europe and the Middle East. In the latter stages of his career, Ken took his commission to move back to NB and as a Captain was appointed Detachment Commander of all Cadets in NB and PEI. Ken received many awards for his accomplishments in the military. In 1977 he was appointed to the Order of Military Merit, the second highest order administered by the Governor-in-Council, at the grade of Member (MMM), for distinctive merit and exceptional service. He was later upgraded to the level of Officer of the Order of Military Merit (OMM), a rare occurrence. Both awards were presented by the Governor General at Rideau Hall. Ken Maybee retired from the Canadian Forces in 1993 and took up the position of Executive Director (later President and CEO) of the NB Lung Association, one week after his retirement from the Canadian Forces. In typical fashion, Ken took the Lung Association to new heights, re-defining its focus and direction. He put the NB Lung Association on the national map, with leading, high profile campaigns on clean air, anti-smoking and other environmental issues. As President and CEO of the NB Lung Association, Ken was a leader, innovator and tireless advocate for the Lung Association and the causes he championed. This is typical of the man he was.
Ken was named to the Order of Canada in July 2012. He was due to receive this prestigious award, as well as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, on 23 November from the Governor General at Government House in Ottawa. Ken was named to the Order of Canada in the category of Social Services, for his efforts to improve air quality and the health of Canadians. His efforts have been described as follows “Mr. Maybee’s personal crusade to make human health the driving force for air quality policies and legislation has been extraordinary”. He helped develop air quality standards, including the air quality health index used in many cities. He was instrumental in the introduction of the NB Clean Air Act and the Smoke-free Places Act, which, among other things, bans smoking in vehicles containing children under the age of 16. Locally, he helped the City of Fredericton organize the Canada Day parade and made the parade green by not allowing motorized vehicles to take part. Ken was an avid sportsman. In his younger years he enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball, tennis and curling at a competitive level, and he was a long-standing regular at the Fredericton YMCA. More recently, he enjoyed playing “Texas hold’em” poker with the boys twice a week. Ken was a long-time resident of New Maryland, a proud Frederictonian and a pillar of the local community. He was a fine New Brunswicker and an outstanding Canadian. He was charity-minded and always active in community organizations. In his earlier years, he was active in the Lions Club in Oromocto. Throughout his life he was very active in the Masonic Order, the Shriners and was a member of Royal Canadian Legion. Ken was a friend and mentor to many; he constantly looked to help those less-advantaged members of the community. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and the many people who admired and respected him.
Ken was cremated at McAdams Funeral Home. A memorial service to honour Ken’s memory will be announced at a later date. Donations in Ken’s memory may be made to a mental health charity, if so desired. On-line condolences may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com ADSUM 21 October 2012
(Fredericton) The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, New Brunswick Chapter (CPAWS NB) is urging New Brunswickers to have their say on what New Brunswick’s protected areas future should look like. Government recently released a map of proposed protected natural areas and is seeking public input until November 15.
Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of CPAWS NB, said, “New Brunswick citizens have a chance right now to show their support for permanent protection of wilderness areas that the New Brunswick government has identified for potential protection. While this is a good step towards a protected areas network, much more is needed to truly protect New Brunswick’s wilderness heritage.”
“Near Fredericton, candidates include natural areas in the Nashwaak River watershed, which has recently faced an increase in pressure for industrialization. Candidates in southeastern New Brunswick include forests that protect the Turtle Creek drinking water supply for Moncton. Natural areas along the Magaguadavic River and the Piskahegan Stream are the largest candidates in the southwest. In northern New Brunswick, large forested areas along the Dungarvon River, the Tabusintac River, the Portage River and the Restigouche River have been included in the list. The candidate protected areas are important old forests, headwaters of significant fish streams, or sensitive wildlife habitats.
“Unfortunately, not all of the proposed areas will make the actual protection list, so it is important that people who have on-the-ground knowledge of any of the candidate protected areas provide that information to government. Government will choose which areas will go forward for full protection as a result of these public consultations.”
Clowater said, “These potential protected areas will move us from having 3% of the province protected, to having about 4.7% protected. New Brunswick would still be 2nd to last in Canada in the proportion of our land that is permanently protected from development, with only half the proportion that is, on average, protected in the other provinces and territories. We’ll need to protect all of these areas, and many more, if we’re going to do our fair share to protect the wilderness and wildlife that is so important to our culture, tourism and regional economies.”
Five open houses are planned over the next two weeks, starting with one in Fredericton on Oct.16, 6:00 pm, Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre. CPAWS NB is providing links to the maps, background information, the schedule of open houses, and more at www.cpawsnb.org.
Dr. Louis LaPierre’s report on public feedback about the New Brunswick government’s shale gas industry proposals was released on October 15th, and is already attracting comments and criticisms. A retired biologist, LaPierre was commissioned by the provincial government to hold public meetings and gather public reaction concerning the government’s 116 recommendations for regulating a potential shale gas industry. In his report, Dr. Lapierre wrote that there were few comments about the government’s regulations at those meetings. Instead, the public spoke mostly about matters concerning the environment, health, water, and so on. In the concluding remarks of his report, Dr. LaPierre makes recommendations about a moratorium, a phased-approach to development, and outlines a structure for managing gas distribution.
Today, 18 community groups supported a statement suggesting that LaPierre’s recommendations and conclusions were based on opinion, not science.
Dr. Jean Louis Deveau, a social scientist with the Fredericton Chapter of the Council of Canadians, says that while LaPierre’s report appears to contain a fairly accurate representation of the concerns expressed at the public meetings, the report’s conclusions and recommendations are unfounded.
“Dr. LaPierre was directed to report on people’s concerns about the government’s recommendations for regulating the industry,” Deveau explains.
“People spoke and wrote to him. Those words and textual submissions were his data. In a proper scientific analysis, his conclusions should have been derived from the actual data he received and might have read something like this: ’New Brunswickers were faced with too many unknowns about the shale gas industry to be in a position to provide meaningful input on the government’s recommendations for regulating the industry. Therefore, they chose to voice their concerns about water, the environment, health, and so on.’ However, instead of linking his conclusions to those data, Dr. LaPierre chose to debate the pros and cons of a moratorium, a phased approach to industry development, and a management structure for a future shale gas industry in New Brunswick. In short, there is nothing in his data to support any of those concluding remarks.”
Deveau suggests that LaPierre has actually failed to follow the science-based approach advocated in his own report and that his report amounts to little more than an opinion piece.
Conservation Council of New Brunswick—Stephanie Merrill
Council of Canadians, Fredericton Chapter—Jean Louis Deveau
Council of Canadians, Saint John Chapter—Carol Ring
Darlings Island Fracking Intervention Naguwigewauk—Doug Foster
Friends of UNB Woodlot—Mark D’Arcy
Hampton Water First—Chris Rendell
Harvey Environmental Action—Terry Wishart
Memramcook Action—Patricia Leger
Maliseet Grand Council—Alma Brooks
New Brunswickers Against Fracking—Stan Donovan
Our Environment, Our Choice—Mike McKinley
Parents Against Everyday Poisons—Michael Stoneleigh
Penniac Anti-Shale Gas Organization--Eric Hadley
Quality of Life Initiative—Otty Forgrave
Tantramar Alliance—Marilyn Lerch
Upriver Environment Watch—Ann Pohl
Upper Miramichi Stewardship Alliance—Brad Wood
Water and Environmental Protection for Albert County—Deborah Carr
This past weekend two environmental awards were presented to New Brunswick citizens and environmental groups in honour of exemplary service to their community. The prizes, awarded by the New Brunswick Environmental Network (NBEN), recognize significant efforts by citizens and citizen groups toward the protection and restoration of New Brunswick’s environment.
Community Forests International, an organization based in Sackville with a mandate to promote community-based ecological forestry both in New Brunswick and internationally, was honoured with the the Gaia Award. According to Mary Ann Coleman, Executive Director of the NBEN, “Community Forests International received the award for their determined effort to maintain stewardship of Whaelghinbran Farm and to develop an on-site training centre to inspire youth and future generations to work towards achieving the health and diversity found within the Acadian Forest Eco-region prior to European settlement.” Recently, Community Forests International purchased Whaelghinbran Farm a unique 650-acre farm and Acadian forest woodlot in the Sussex area on which they will be farming organically and practicing ecological forestry. The multi-stakeholder community-based ecological forestry practiced at Whaelghinbran will be an example of alternative approaches to woodland management in the region.
The Phoenix Award, dedicated to those who have been “through the fire,” was presented to Mark D'Arcy, of the Friends of the UNB Woodlot. Coleman stated, “Mark received this award in recognition of his bold leadership, creative strategies, and tireless devotion to raising public awareness about and mounting resistance to shale gas exploration.”
The awards were presented during the Annual General Assembly of the New Brunswick Environmental Network, which was held in Sackville on October 13, 2012. During the assembly, member groups of the NBEN participanted in various workshops, discussions, and field trips in the area. As well, participants enjoyed the Soup Fest fundraiser hosted by local Sackville community groups in which Sackville-area potters donated bowls that Soup Fest participants took home as keepsakes. Soup Fest participants also enjoyed the music of two Sackville musicians, Michael Duguay and Steve Haley.
Transportation has been a long-standing issue in Southeastern New Brunswick for many people in our community. A regional initiative has been launched in response to this issue. Go Transpo is an initiative led by EOS Eco-Energy Inc. in partnership with the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation (ESIC) and the Westmorland Albert Community Inclusion Network Co-operative Ltd.. Its aim is to work with communities to create a model for accessible and sustainable transportation in Southeastern New Brunswick.
The first stage of the Go Transpo project is to develop a feasibility study. The feasibility study will help identify what sort of transportation is needed in our communities and how to efficiently meet those needs in a way that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.
Go Transpo is well into its community engagement process and is looking for input from across the community. Surveys are available in both official languages at various organizations throughout the region and can also be found at most municipal offices. The survey can also be completed online at www.eocecoenergy.com.
Organizations and individuals are encouraged to contact the project coordinator, Meggie, with transportation related concerns and inquiries:
Option Transpo : Un choix pour les gens du Sud-Est du N.-B.
Le 9 octobre 2012
Pour de nombreux habitants de la région, le transport est un problème de longue date dans le sud-est du Nouveau-Brunswick. Une initiative régionale – Option Transpo – a été lancée pour trouver une solution à ce problème. Menée par EOS Éco-énergie, en association avec la Société de l’inclusion économique et sociale (SIÉS) et le Coopérative réseaux d'inclusion communautaire Westmorland Albert ltée, cette initiative a pour but de collaborer avec les collectivités concernées pour créer un modèle de système de transport durable et accessible à tous dans le sud-est du Nouveau-Brunswick.
La première étape du projet Option Transpo consiste à réaliser une étude de faisabilité. Celle-ci aidera à déterminer le ou les genres de transport dont on a besoin dans nos collectivités et comment répondre efficacement aux besoins définis, d’une manière économiquement, socialement et écologiquement durable.
Le processus, entamé sur la base de la participation communautaire, en est au stade de la consultation des membres de la collectivité. Des questionnaires dans les deux langues officielles sont disponibles partout dans la région, dans divers organismes et dans la plupart des bureaux municipaux. Le questionnaire du sondage peut aussi se remplir en ligne à www.eosecoenergy.com.
Les organisations et les personnes intéressées qui auraient des questions ou des préoccupations au sujet du transport sont invitées à prendre contact avec Meggie, la coordonnatrice du projet :
NBCC Woodstock will be the site of the 2nd Richard Olmstead Sustainable Living Expo (ROSLE) on Saturday, October 13, 2012, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.The Expo will feature speakers, workshops, displays and booths to showcase goods and services that relate to living locally in a sustainable lifestyle. (See Attached)
The Expo is an opportunity for those who produce or provide goods and services that make the Woodstock Region more self-reliant and energy efficient to share their resources, knowledge, and expertise with the wider community. Exhibitors include individuals, businesses, and organizations that provide goods and services, including arts, recreational, and educational services, in the greater Woodstock region.
From crafts people to passive solar homebuilding, from local food to energy efficiency experts, from healthy eating to products for sustainable living, the Expo showcases the many ways businesses and community organizations are working to build a stronger, more resilient region.
Dr.Wayne Groszko (Ph.D.in Chemical Oceanography, Dalhousie University) is the Key note speaker. His topic is"Solar Energy: AWorldTour – Learn about exciting new developments in solar energy around the world, with connections to how you can use solarenergy here at home in New Brunswick."
Speakers and work shops include:
10:00 am Dr. Donald Wood - Geothermalenergy
11:00 am Peter Steeves - Heatpumpsoptions
12:00 pm SimplyforLife-..Cookingdemonstration
1:00 pm Dr.Wayne Groszko - Keynote address
2:00 pm Sara Mudg - Efficiency New Brunswick Opportunities
3:00 pm Garth Hood – Passive solar Houses Web: thoughtfuldwellings.ca
Breakfast with healthy local foods is being provided by Simply for Life for $7
from8:00 to 9:30 am
The local sponsor the Sustainable Energy Group will release its free new booklet at the Expo called ‘From Oil Dependency to Renewable Energy – An Energy Transition Guidebook, Assessment, Planning, and Resources’.
The guide book demonstrates many practical ways how people can reduce their own environmental footprint while living healthier lives, with numerous examples of local
people already doing this.
Richard Olmstead (1954 - 2010), one of the founding members of SEG in 2004, was passionate about educating people to consume less and to be mindful of our impact on the environment. The Expo was Richard's idea, and is in his memory.
Falls Brook Centre – Activities for all ages. Admission to the Expo is only $2, children under 12 free.
(Submitted on behalf of the Sustainable Energy Group)
This one comes from Pickerel Pond Nature Preserve, a 78 hectare preserve adjacent to Maquapit Lake in Queen’s County, donated to the Nature Trust in 1993 by 9 anonymous donors! (learn more: http://www.naturetrust.nb.ca/wp/?p=478)
Enjoy LES HAY BABIES with their new song "My Love".
“I just spent my 79th birthday spraying bleach under my house because the moving ground has caused the septic lines to sag and pull apart, allowing sewage to leak into the ground.”
- Georgia McCabe
Residents of Penobsquis, New Brunswick began seeing damages to their properties in 2004 caused by what residents believe are mining related ground movements. Since 2004, water wells went dry, walls developed cracks, roofs began to buckle, and septic and sewage lines have separated.
In July of 2010, a complaint was lodged with the New Brunswick Mining Commissioner against Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. This began a legal battle that has lasted more than two years. Twenty four residents were asking for Justice for their community. Most of the 24 residents withdrew their complaints on September 10, 2012, but Georgia McCabe, Heather McCabe and Beth Norrad are continuing with the Hearings.
“How can a company call itself a responsible citizen when a senior in the community where they operate is living in a home with a buckling roof, sagging walls, and leaking sewage? Potash Corporation experts admitted there has been almost a meter of sinking beneath our home in a 10 year period. How could it not cause damage?” says Heather McCabe.
On Monday, October 1, 2012 at 9:30am, the Hearings, being held at the All Season’s Inn in Sussex, will come to a close when the three remaining complainants give their closing arguments.
Media Contact: Heather McCabe Tel. (506) 433-3390 Email h.mccabe@bellaliant.net
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is proud to present * New Brunswick Nature Sessions *! Musicians from across Canada were invited out to some of the Nature Trust's beautiful nature preserves this summer to participate in "take-away" shows. Take-away shows are performances that are recorded in one single take, no do-overs or editing. All the Nature Sessions were filmed by Joseph Crawford, a student from Renaissance College who helped the Nature Trust design our Youth in Nature Campaign with his classmates. Please enjoy this NB Nature Session video by Oh No, Theodore performing at Clark's Point Nature Preserve near St. Stephen, NB.
(Personal Submission to Dr. Louis LaPierre and the Natural Gas Group, June 19 2012 Hillsborough, New Brunswick by Margo Sheppard)
(Page 1 of 4)
Dr. LaPierre and members of the Shale Gas Group, I would like to express my concern with shale gas development as informed by my experience assessing the environmental impacts of major infrastructure projects from both the proponent’s and regulator’s perspectives
After twelve years in environmental assessment and policy in the Ontario government, I moved here and since 1996 have worked for the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, fourteen of which as Executive Director. I currently chair the Canadian Land Trust Alliance, an umbrella group for conservation trusts across this country. I am on the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Protected Natural Areas in New Brunswick because I care about the future of this province’s wild spaces and species. I speak as an individual, not as a representative of any group.
“The waste of time, money and human energy that this shale gas misadventure has caused, when we should be focusing on clean, green, sustainable activities and business ventures to actually benefit New Brunswick and bring our children home”
As a fresh-faced environmental planner back in the early 1980s, I studied and consulted the public on new highways. Walking pastoral landscapes I made lists of flora and fauna, knowing that a four-lane expressway would soon flatten it all. I assured people that the effects would be small; the forests and farms soon to be bisected would heal or just cease to be. The need for the highway, the sustainability of the highway or the urban sprawl and loss of countryside it caused I never questioned.
How blithely my ministry paved over Class I agricultural land in the interest of cars and development; how irreverently we dismissed the public’s concerns-- about homes lost, villages split in two—mostly, as facilitators of this upheaval, in order to be able to sleep at night. To address the true impacts would have meant to listen to people and actually prevent the destruction before it started. From the perspective of today, how I wish I had questioned authority and challenged all we did. Alas I did not. I was a few years into an environmental planning career when I discovered my role was to simply minimize, or downplay the damage in the public’s eyes, not actually prevent it.
That was in 1984; global population was 4.8 billion and C02 levels in the atmosphere were 340ppm. Environmental concern worldwide was growing, but there was not the vast store of scientific fact, understanding of the threats or their causes that we have today.
“…but the lure of short-term profits, temporary jobs and delusions of budget surpluses militate that we proceed blindly down this path, unquestioning and uncritical of its folly”
Fast forward to 2012, global population is 7 billion according to the United Nations and the C02 concentration in the atmosphere is close to 400ppm. The cumulative effects of 160 years of industrial activity supercharged by fossil fuels and unconstrained consumption have caught up with us in the form of climatic changes that are going to eclipse any remediation that could, but likely won’t, be administered. At least we now know how to avoid causing further harm, don’t we?
Yet here we are tonight, discussing the merits of still another emissions-intensive fossil-fuel development: shale gas. Clearly we have learned nothing from our current predicament and past failures. Or perhaps we have learned, but the lure of short-term profits, temporary jobs and delusions of budget surpluses militate that we proceed blindly down this path, unquestioning and uncritical of its folly.
I do not criticize the shale gas group. I criticize its political masters who, encouraged by industry representatives and growth advocates, are willing, no, eager, to sacrifice the clean environment and landscapes of New Brunswick to further their careers and twisted ideas of what it is to have true prosperity. The waste of time, money and human energy that this shale gas misadventure hascaused, when we should be focusing on clean, green, sustainable activities and business ventures to actually benefit New Brunswick and bring our children home, is so huge it makes my head spin and my heart break. […]
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is proud to present * New Brunswick Nature Sessions *! Musicians from across Canada were invited out to some of the Nature Trust's beautiful nature preserves this summer to participate in "take-away" shows. Take-away shows are performances that are recorded in one single take, no do-overs or editing. All the Nature Sessions were filmed by Joseph Crawford, a student from Renaissance College who helped the Nature Trust design our Youth in Nature Campaign with his classmates. Please enjoy this NB Nature Session video by Goshawk (aka Scott Mallory) performing "Play the Fool" at Minister's Face Nature Preserve on Long Island.
More NB Nature Session videos are available on the Nature Trust's website at: http://www.naturetrust.nb.ca/wp/?page_id=376 with new releases every week! Please write to naturetrust@ntnb.org with your comments. Enjoy!
Including official preserve opening ceremony (outdoors) and
field tour by boat of Southern Wolf Island Nature Preserve (weather permitting)
Please join the Nature Trust of New Brunswick for their annual general meeting. Following the meeting there will be an official preserve opening ceremony on Pea Point and a tour, by boat, of nearby Southern Wolf Island Nature Preserve.
Saturday, September 29th, 2012
Blacks Harbour School
800 Main St.
Blacks Harbour, NB
E5H 1E6
12:45pm – 1:20pm:
Annual General Meeting
1:30pm – 2:00pm:
Presentation: Official opening ceremony of Connors Bros. Nature Preserve at Pea Point (outdoors)
2:15pm – 5:00pm:
Field tour by boat of Southern Wolf Island Nature Preserve (weather permitting)
Alan Weatherley passed away on September 1, 2012. Alan was a leader in environmental work in Cambridge Narrows for a number of years as a member of the Washademoak Environmentalists and a founder of the Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association. Alan authored two novels and a non-fiction book on conservation. Alan will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, particularly those working to protect Washademoak Lake. Our condolences go out to Robena, his wife and partner in environmental work, and his family and friends.
Alan Weatherley passed away on September 1, 2012 at Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB, Canada after a brief illness. He was born on March 28, 1928 in Sydney, Australia, and was a third generation Australian. In his childhood Sydney was already a city of a million and a half, but with its warm temperate climate, its airy spaces, the proximity of its great Harbour and splendid ocean beaches it provided a uniquely open environment. Like many boys of his time, Alan roamed the spacious parklands and hills of its eastern suburbs. He loved the outdoors and developed an early fascination with nature and with sports. His career as a zoologist began when he attended Sydney University, from which he graduated in 1949 with a BSc. He received an MSc from the University of Tasmania in 1959 and a PhD from the University of Glasgow in 1961. He began his major scientific research in freshwater biology (especially on fish) in Tasmania (1951-57), continued in Scotland (1958-60) and subsequently at the Australian National University from 1961-73 where he became a Reader in Zoology. He continued fish investigations as Professor of Fishery Biology at University of Tromsø, Norway (1974-75) and as Professor of Zoology at the University of Toronto (1975-93). He was a co-founder of the Australian Society for Limnology (ASL) and its President in 1965. He was also Secretary of the Ecological Society of Australia and a member of the Executive Committee of the Great Barrier Reef Committee. He was active for many years in teaching and supervising students in numerous aspects of animal biology. He was awarded the Gold Medal of the ASL in Australia and the Publication Award of The Wildlife Society in North America for his scientific research and writings. He and his wife Robena Weatherley were active members of Science for Peace for ten years in Toronto. He also became involved in nature conservation problems beginning in 1961, and continued to work seriously in conservation with Robena, centred on the area where they lived in New Brunswick following his retirement from the University of Toronto. Alan and Robena were early members of Washademoak Environmentalists and later were co-founders of the Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association. Alan was keenly interested in the arts of writing and painting and during his retirement became a serious painter and published two novels as well as a nonfiction book on conservation. In all intellectual matters that interested him Alan maintained a critical and often skeptical approach and looked for strong, reliable evidence. During his life he was active in recreational sports, including cricket, tennis and squash, and remained very interested in participating as a spectator when unable to participate actively. His love of the outdoors, nature and scenery continued.
Alan Weatherley is survived by his wife Robena of Cambridge-Narrows, NB, his stepdaughter Lisa Jeffrey of Toronto (Robena's daughter) and his two children from his first marriage to Jacqueline Robin (Katherine of Canberra and Robert of Sydney, Australia) as well as his granddaughters Kylie of Canberra (Katherine's daughter) and Eleanor (Lisa's daughter).
According to Alan's wishes, there will be no funeral service or formal visiting. A memorial will take place on Monday, September 17 at 7 pm at the Cambridge-Narrows Municipal Building. No flowers by request. For those wishing to make donations in Alan's memory, we suggest that they may be made to the following organizations:
1. Everett Chalmers Hospital Foundation, Fredericton, NB
(Posted on behalf of the Taymouth Community Association)
A Response to the New Brunswick Government’s White Paper on Recommendations
To Govern the Development of Shale Gas From The Taymouth Community Association
(Page 11 of 11)
Our Remaining Important Questions
The government’s position has been that it is okay to continue exploration, because if we find shale gas development to be unsafe for either the people or the environment, we can simply stop it at that point. SWN had a three-year license to explore during which it pledged to spend $47 million dollars. The government recently passed a new regulation to grant them extensions of that license.
"If a large portion of the medical profession in
the province… says it is not safe to continue…
can they be overridden by a political decision?"
It is hard for us to conceive that after allowing the company to explore for 5 years and spend $47 million dollars that the government would say, ‘Sorry SWN, we don’t think it’s safe, you’ll have to go.’ Even if the government did say that, we suspect the action would be followed by costly lawsuits and extreme damage to the province’s reputation.
The only sane approach is for a moratorium or ban to be started immediately before industry invests millions more. However, if the government wants to persist in what many consider a reckless policy, we want to know several things:
- First, what will be the legal instrument used to deny leases to companies who have lawfully fulfilled their license agreements?
- Secondly, who will decide on what is safe, what will be the decision-making process and who will provide the criteria to decide the standard of ‘safeness’?
- Will the entire decision making process by open to public comment?
- If a large portion of the medical profession in the province, backed by other medical societies around the world and supported by studies, says it is not safe to continue, given their commitment to the ethic of “first do no harm”, can they be overridden by a political decision?
- What percentage of leaking gas wells or water well contaminations will our ‘safety standards’ allow as ‘acceptable’? How will that be decided?
- If local communities have different conceptions of what is safe, what can they do?
We need answers to these basic questions before we can give any serious consideration to the government’s current position.
(Posted on behalf of the Taymouth Community Association)
A Response to the New Brunswick Government’s White Paper on Recommendations
To Govern the Development of Shale Gas From The Taymouth Community Association
(Page 1 of 11)
Forward We wish to make it clear at the start that we do not believe any regulation or current technology can make shale gas and oil extraction safe enough to justify its presence in New Brunswick, or elsewhere. Public consultation on the issue of shale gas extraction is critical, as the risks to health and economic and political well being touch every New Brunswicker.
"We ask you to recognize us as the serious
and intelligent citizens we are"
Rural New Brunswickers who are careful observers of their surroundings provide useful perspectives on environmental health.Our proximity to Fredericton’s universities, government offices and scientific businesses means that we count among our residents highly qualified researchers in all the areas relevant to the issue of shale gas, including geologists, ecologists, hydrologists and more. Many, of course, have labored for us in anonymity, because of their fear that their jobs or businesses may suffer retribution. Our views have sometimes been characterized as mere ‘emotional’ responses. It is not the word ‘emotional’ that offends us, since one would be a fool not to have an emotional response to threats to one’s health, family, and way of life. It is the ‘mere’ part that is troubling our multigenerational experience with local land and water issues and the countless hours spent researching this issue by those of us with academic training. We ask you to recognize us as the serious and intelligent citizens we are. [...]
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is proud to release the first of many NB Nature Session music videos. Filmed throughout the summer at Nature Trust of New Brunswick nature preserves across the province, these videos feature some of Canada's talented musicians performing in take-away shows. A take-away show is a music video filmed in a single take (no cuts, edits or re-trys). These videos happened to be filmed in untraditional locations, like on top of a mountain, in an abandoned cabin, overlooking a lake or out in a canoe.
Check out these NB Nature Session videos by
1. Owen Steel, Mike Trask & the Park St. Elementary School Choir 2. Ingrid Gatin and 3. Pirate Soul
More videos are being released all the time. Check back frequently, or stay in touch with us through our social media or by signing up to be a "Friend of the Nature Trust" (http://www.naturetrust.nb.ca/wp/?page_id=677)
Community Forests International (CFI) is launching our 2012 fall workshop series with a 2 day ecological forestry course led by professional forester and author Jamie Simpson. We are also offering workshops and short courses on watercourse restoration, chainsaw safety and maintenance, and low impact forestry & horse logging in the month of October. Further workshop information will be posted on our website as it becomes available. We would love if you could join us this fall!
The herbicide spray season is upon us. The aerial spraying of Crown land plantations started on August 8 and continues until September 17. If you are wondering if you are in line for dousing, you can check a great online map at http://geonb.snb.ca/herbicide/. As well, the Conservation Council of NB has more information at http://www.conservationcouncil.ca/News/news08161201.aspx
For the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation
Description
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award of Excellence in Land Conservation was established to mark the 25th anniversary of The Nature Trust of New Brunswick (NTNB). As Honorary Patron of The Nature Trust of New Brunswick, the Honourable Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick will present the award in recognition of an individual or organization’s significant contributions to protection of natural heritage through land conservation in New Brunswick.
Successful nominees will have a significant impact on land conservation in New Brunswick through leadership, direct action, and long-term involvement as well as other significant contributions. Eligible nominees may include those individuals or organizations involved in stewardship, volunteerism, donation of lands, or building effective partnerships and must meet at least one of the following criteria:
An individual or entity who has contributed in a sustained manner over a significant period of time
An individual or entity who has contributed significantly in a relatively short amount of time
A donor of funds or property
A volunteer, steward and/or member
A corporate or community partner
An individual who contributed significantly in the past and should be recognized posthumously
The first award will be given at The Nature Trust of New Brunswick’s 25th anniversary celebration in October 2012. The Award may not necessarily be awarded each year, depending on the recommendation of the award committee.
The Selection Committee shall have five members as nominated by:
The Atlantic Regional Board of the Nature Conservancy of Canada
The New Brunswick Minister of Natural Resources
The Regional Director of the federal Department of Environment
The Board of Nature NB
A Chairperson named by the Board of Trustees of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick
Nominating and Selection Process
Nominations may be in French or English, typewritten, and submitted with the following components:
Nomination letter – a cover letter including the name, address, telephone number and organization of both the nominee and nominator(s).
Biography – a brief summary (not more than three pages) of the nominee’s educational background, positions held, civic and professional involvement and other relevant data.
Accomplishments – a narrative based on the selection criteria for the Award (not exceeding three pages) explaining the basis for the nomination that, in the opinion of the nominator(s), qualifies the nominee for the award, with such supporting evidence as may be appropriate for the Selection Committee to consider.
References – letters from at least three persons in support of the nomination.
The Selection Committee will make the judgment solely on the basis of the information received and will not seek additional information about any of the nominees.
Please note that, in making its decision, the Selection Committee attaches considerable importance to the nature and the quality of the documentation submitted by the nominators.
Nominations received for the Award in any given year will be considered automatically for the next two years after receipt of a renewal of nomination letter by nominator(s).
In any given year, the Selection Committee may decide not to give an award
The names of the nominees and the ranking of the nominees by the Selection Committee shall be treated confidentially
Please contact the Nature Trust of New Brunswick for nomination forms
506-457-2398
naturetrust@ntnb.org
Or visit our new website which will be launched September 1st, 2012
The NBEN’s staff are taking the challenge will you? June 3- June 9th the National Commuter Challenge gets underway and competitors are asked to try and find active ways to get to work! We here at the NBEN are challenging you as an individual or group to enter today.
For those concerned about maintaining environmental protection, the recent federal decision to deny the applications for 3 species to be included the Species at Risk list is a red flag. The species, 2 plants and 1 dragonfly, might be found only in a few locations, but from my viewpoint that is the whole point of having endangered species legislation - to protect species that are vulnerable to being lost without anyone mounting a defence or, perhaps, without anyone even noticing. Our duty, as a species with big brains, is to ensure that all species are preserved, big and little. On top of this, the Sierra Club is raising concerns that the Species at Risk legislation itself is also on the chopping block. For more info http://www.sierraclub.ca/en/endangered-species/media/release/laura-dragonfly-creating-buzz-parliament-hill-pleads-protection-pre
For the small community of Stoney Creek, oil drilling has been part of rural life for over 100 years. When water tests revealed methane, diesel and barium in a resident’s well water, local community members were not surprised. Many residents get their drinking water from uncontaminated springs or bottled water. However, interest is rising around the contamination, especially after NDP leader Dominic Cardy called for a moratorium on drilling in Stoney Creek, in response to the test results. The findings of laboratory technicians, who were able to light the water on fire, is consistent with community members’ stories about lighting matches at the faucet.
The story of Stoney Creek is emerging just before New Brunswick Day celebrations around the importance of clean air, land and water. Citizens are coming together in Fredericton on August 6 for a series of events. Click here for more information and to see the full schedule.
Ward 10 Residents Request for Shale Gas Consultation Meeting Shut Down
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada – Provincial government officials deny local grassroots residents group request for participation in province wide information and consultation process on shale gas development in New Brunswick.
On June 28th a letter was signed by many residents attending a crowded Ward 10 Residents Association meeting in Fredericton. The letter responded to concerns by many residents that they were not being sufficiently informed and consulted on shale gas development as originally promised by Premier Alward in recent speeches and the election.
"Over the last several months, Fredericton residents, including those in Ward 10, have expressed concerns about not having been invited to participate in a meaningful conversation about the development and regulation of a shale gas industry in New Brunswick,” said Leah Levac, Fredericton city councillor for Ward 10. “In my conversations with residents, many have expressed a desire to receive more information about the province's plans regarding shale gas development so that they can develop an informed opinion on the matter".
The letter asked, "Dr. Louis LaPierre and the Natural Gas Group to meet with the Ward 10 Residents Association in Fredericton (before the end of July 2012) so our residents can be informed on shale gas regulations and have a voice in this important process.”
The following morning, the letter was mailed and emailed to the Natural Gas Group as well as copied to provincial and city politicians. On July 20th, the Ward 10 Residents Association was told that it could meet with Dr. LaPierre and the Natural Gas Group for 20 minutes. The group was also told that it would have to share the 20 minutes with the Friends of the UNB Woodlot, and that no more than three Ward 10 residents were allowed to participate.
The group feels that attempts to respond to Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup's announcement which read, “we look forward to hearing from New Brunswickers [during Dr. LaPierre's consultation]” (press release), and to his open invitation to any “groups or associations” to meet with LaPierre and the Natural Gas Group are being undermined.
“The shale gas public consultation tour missed a majority of our population by not even going to Moncton, Saint John or Fredericton,” said Ward 10 resident Taeyon Kim. “How can even three Ward 10 residents make any informed decision in 20 minutes shared with another group?”
The Ward 10 Residents Association will only participate in a consultation process that is democratic and transparent. On October 3rd 2011 David Alward gave a speech to the Moncton Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Greater Moncton on shale gas development and the importance of public information and consultation on this issue. Mr Alward referred to “town hall and information meetings” where MLAs could “hear directly from their constituents on this important issue.” Later in the speech he added, “It’s a discussion we as New Brunswickers all need to have.”
“I met with my MLA, Brian MacDonald, and he agreed with our request for a meeting with the Natural Gas Group, that allows residents to become fully informed and consulted on shale gas development in New Brunswick,” said Ward 10 resident Garth Hood. “He said he would do everything within his power to help us get this public meeting.”
The association fully agrees with Mr. Alward that, “It’s a discussion that we as New Brunswickers all need to have.” The association does not agree that Ward 10 residents have been given any open and democratic public opportunity for informed discussion. This is why the Ward 10 Residents Association is repeating the original request:
The Ward 10 Residents Association requests that Dr. LaPierre and the Natural Gas Group hold a public meeting within Fredericton so all residents can be fully informed and consulted on shale gas development in New Brunswick.
Posted For Ward 10 Residents Association
Media Contact: Taeyon Kim frederictonward10residents@gmail.com
Join us for a clean-up and trail work day on our beautiful Grand Manan Island preserves!
Who: Nature Trust members and volunteers
What: A day of trail maintenance, sign installation and beach clean-up on the Charlotte Isles Preserves of Grand Manan Island Where: Thomas B. Munro Shoreline & Meredith Houseworth Seashore (Whale Cove) Memorial Preserves
When: August 11th, 9:30am to 3:00pm
Meet at the Long Eddy Point lighthouse (entrance to Munro) for 9:30am. Meet at the Meredith Houseworth preserve for 12pm.
What to Bring: Please bring a lunch & lots of water. Wear work appropriate attire and prepare for the weather!
Ferry Travel: Leaves Blacks Harbour at 7:30am – arrives 9am on Grand Manan. Leaves Grand Manan at 3:30pm – arrives in Blacks Harbour for 5pm.
These scientists have hit my emotional nail on the head – I have been mourning this year the loss of our country’spositive global image and accepting that my idealistic view of Canada as a nation that can debate tough issues by weighing opinions and science is one that has been suppressed by asmall unified financial vision.
I know it is horrible to have such sad thoughts on another beautiful day! However, it is the beauty of the people I know, our natural environment, and the small victories that keeps me going, hoping, and contributing to a healthier nation – thanks to those scientists on Parliament Hill for doing the same.
The 'No Child Left Inside' programme is an initiative of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick (CCNB) that seeks to reconnect New Brunswick's youth with the natural heritage of the places they inhabit. The programme endeavours to facilitate outdoor experiences for New Brunswick students by finding creative ways of teaching existing curriculum in natural spaces on school grounds or nearby. Our pilot project is a partnership with the Keswick Ridge Community School (K-Gr. 8), School District 18, and a number of community groups and organizations. This video highlights activities at the school so far.
Clark Phillips passed away on June 27, 2012. He was leader in many organizations and on the forefront of social and environmental concerns, including organic agriculture and forestry. Clark was a pioneer in establishing organic farming in this province and across North America. His lifelong dedication to this work had a significant impact and will not be forgotten. He played an equally important role in the woodlot sector, encouraging and practicing forest management techniques that promote and restore the Acadian forest. He was active in developing the working land trust movement and his farm and woodlot are now owned by Community Forests International, to be maintained in a working state and managed in a sustainable manner in perpetuity. Clark was a force for change and will be truly missed.
A memorial service and visioning session for the future of Whaelghinbran Farm will be held on July 15th from 12:00 - 5:00 at Whaelghinbran Farm (2002 Cedar Camp Rd., South Branch, Kings Co., NB E4E 5E7). Please feel free to bring a dish as the event will be a potluck. In lieu of sending flowers please consider making a contribution to Community Forests International or to the New Brunswick Community Land Trust.
_____________________________________
From Jeff Schnurr, Community Forests International
On Wednesday, June 27th, between the hours of 4-5 AM, we lost our friend, our mentor and our inspiration, Clark Phillips. There is no question of filling his shoes -- we can’t. They’re too big, too knowing and too meaningful. But we can continue his legacy. We will honour Clark by continuing his work at Whaelghinbran Farm.
We learned from Clark.
We learned that if you believe in something, you stand up for it. For Clark, everything was a protest. Farming was a protest. Cooking was a protest. Living a rich life with his lifelong partner, Susan Tyler was a protest for all that is good and meaningful. There is no one I respected more in this world and as hard as it is to lose him, we were able to make his dream a reality. When Clark left us he was worried about the farm, but he was not worried about succession. His last request was that we finish the second planting of potatoes.
We planted the potatoes. We’ve always wanted our work to count for something and on Wednesday, June 27th it did. It hurt but there was a hidden joy in knowing that we were continuing his belief - we were protesting on those fields for everything Clark believed in.
Somehow, on the farm, life and death makes sense. It seems natural on a landscape that will outlive us all. As the water and sun feed the plants, we care and toil in the earth. We are a temporary part of the landscape and we will work to make our time count. I will not last forever. Community Forests International will not last forever. But together we know that we can work towards something that is greater than ourselves, like Clark did. We can live our beliefs on the land and work with those we love and care for.
Clark, we will miss you.
_____________________________________
From ACORN (Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network)
Dear Organic Community,
I'm afraid I have more sad news to share with you: One of our sector's organic pioneers, Clark Phillips, passed away early Wednesday morning, on June 27th.
Many of us were fortunate to know Clark Phillips, who, with his amazing partner Susan Tyler, first started farming in 1966 near Saint John. The both became enthusiastic organic practitioners in the 70's when they moved to their present location of Whaelghinbran Farm (near Fundy National Park, NB).
Clark was tirelessly involved in all aspects of the organic community. Of particular significance in the Atlantic Provinces is that Clark was involved with the initial organization of a regional organic organization––which of course, became what ACORN is today. The list of his contributions and accomplishments within the organic movement, the co-operative movement, and to ecological forestry is impressive and inspiring:
Clark was the foundational president of ACORN;
Clark and Susan were awarded the Gerrit Loo Award for outstanding contributions to organic agriculture in Atlantic Canada in 2004;
He helped to establish the New Brunswick Chapter of The Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA NB);
He served on the Board of OCIA National and International;
He served on the Advisory Council for the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada Advisory Council (2002-2005)
Clark was also a Board member of the Organic Federation of Canada, representing New Brunswick's interests.
Clark was also involved with the Co-operative Enterprise Council of New Brunswick, Southern New Brunswick (SNB) Wood Marketing Executive Board, SNB Wood Co-op Board and was the SNB director at the New Brunswick Federation of Woodlot Owners, (NBFWLO).
When I detail the list of Clark's life work, I am humbled, amazed, and inspired that he accomplished all of this in addition to his primary occupation: a farmer and sustainable woodlot owner. There is no doubt that he is and has been a shining example to us all in the organic sector of an engaged and dedicated citizen of a better world.
As some of you knew, for the last two or three years, Clark and Susan were preparing to retire from actively farming the land, and embraced the role of mentoring the next generation on the farm and in the forest. Their successors are a group of passionate New Brunswicker’s called Community Forests International, who have been working alongside the duo to transition this tremendously important knowledge to a whole new generation of farmers and forest stewards.
_____________________________________
Remembering Clark: An obituary by his partner Susan Tyler
BORN PAUL CLARK PHILLIPS
IN WARRENSBURG
IN A HOUSE THAT STILL IS A HOUSE WE VISITED A WHILE AGO
(UNLIKE THE POEM BY FROST BUT SOMEHOW AN ECHO)
RAISED IN MOUNTAINS AND WOODS AND SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS
IN KITCHENS WHERE FOOD NOURISHED BODIES, MINDS AND PASSIONS
LIFE WAS THE GOAL FOR HIM IN THE FOREST AND THE FIELDS
COMMUNITY WAS THE GOAL FOR MEETING
COOPERATION HIS WAY TO GET THERE
CONSENSUS DESIRED
COMPROMISE – ONLY AS A MEANS TO THAT CONSENSUS
NOT GIVING UP OR IN
HE MET PEOPLE AND LEARNED THEM AND LOVED THEM FOR WHAT THEY DID
AND HE STOOD UP AND JOINED AND TOOK THEM WITH HIM
AND SO
(BESIDES HIS DAUGHTER, HIS SISTER HIS BROTHERS AND THEIR FAMILIES HIS GRANDCHILDREN HIS PARENTS HIS AUNTS HIS STEP CHILDREN HIS PARTNER)
AND SO
HIS HUGE EXTENDED FAMILY GREW HE NEVER FORGOT ANYONE
A LOVER TENDER AND WARM
FIERCE SHELTERING HEAT IN HIS EMBRACE
HE DROVE A TRACTOR
HE PLANTED VEGETABLES POTATOES FOOD AND IDEAS
HE CUT TREES – TO LET IN THE LIGHT -
(AND MAKE A LIVING BY THE WAY) BY THAT WAY
REGENERATING ACADIA
HARD KEPT SILENCE WAS A TOOL HE USED TO BARGIN
THEN A QUESTION GENTLY OPENING THE DOOR TO ARBITRATION
YES AND NO WERE WORDS HE COULD SAY
AT THE END OF THE PAGE
LOST IN THE TURNING
A POWERFUL FORCE INTERRUPTED
HEART STOPPED
BREATH STOPPED
STRENGTH GIVEN OUT
STRENGTH
GIVEN OUT
DISTRIBUTED
SPREAD BY LOVE
SPREAD WITH LOVE AND COMMITMENT
“HERE THERE EVERYWHERE”
THE SUN THE SOIL THE RAIN A DOUBLE RAINBOW IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
THE FLASH OF A YELLOW WARBLER AN EAGLE FLIES
THE TURKEY VULTURE HITCHES A RIDE ON THE AIR STREAM
It has already been 20 years since the United Nation Conference on Environment and Development of 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, The Earth Summit. During the Earth Summit, many principles had been adopted.
As the tradition wants it, it’s now time to reopen the discussions between industrialized and developing countries, so together, they can look forward for the next 20 years to safeguardthe Earthandthe human race. The theme for 2012 is sustainable development
While environmental groups and organizations may be being hit hard lately, they are still keeping up their work. The David Suzuki Foundation is hosting a phone-in, or ``telephone town hall`` to discuss with Richard Louv, author of The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age and Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder. The questions that will be discussed will revolve around the benefits of being immersed in Nature, such as "Can being in nature make you smarter?". The conference call will be on Sunday, June 24 and it will be nation-wide, and anyone can participate for free. Click here for more information and to register.
Bill C-38 is causing a lot of discussion lately, whether it be among environmentalists, unions, politicians, or citizens. Everyone has something to say, or an opinion on the subject. Individuals from across Canada are gathering to work together, despite their differences.
In New Brunswick, people and groups worried about the changes that the “budget” will bring to environmental regulations are gathering in Fredericton tomorrow, June 14th. The gathering will take place at the office of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, at 11am. There will be a press release during which individuals will speak about the impacts of Bill C-38 on marine life and public safety.
The NBEN hosted 8 member and associated groups at a workshop held on June 11th in the context of the Grand Opening of the Moncton Peace Centre . The groups were invted to present their projects in a short visual presentation, followed by a "Meet & Greet" in the NBEN office located on the 3rd floor of the new Peace Centre tower in Moncton. This was a great occasion for everybody to meet in person, mingle and discuss. The attending groups were:
The controversial Bill C-38 is getting a lot of publicity lately, both from opponents doing everything they can to stop it, and from conservative politicians desperately trying to push support for it. Not only will the federal budget slash environmental regulations on land, but it will also affect fisheries. The Fisheries Act is one of the strongest environmental laws, which is going to change with the new Bill C-38. The Fisheries Act is meant to stop the destruction of fish habitat, but also, protect fish stocks and watersheds. With the new bill, the Government could delegate to provinces or industry the rights of the fish habitat: it would be legal to damage the lakes and the rivers of our country. As provinces do not have laws to protect fisheries, this leaves the path open to major development from industries, destroying fish habitat with no law to protect them. This is why ForestEthics is suggesting that Canadians call Minister Ashfield to protest.
LeadNow is calling on citizens to take part in a national day of action, on Wednesday, June 13 2012, 5:30 pm at local MP offices across the country. They are calling their campaign ``13 heroes`` because the goal is to pressure 13 conservative MPs to vote against bill C-38, which would force it to be revised and changes to be made. Visit leadnow.ca for more information and to get involved.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been paying a visit to France, to meet the new French president, François Hollande. When he was asked about Environment Canada funding groups who are opposed to energy development projects, Harper answered that if groups don’t share the opinions of the government, their funding will be cut.
This Thursday, June 14th, the New Brunswick Social Policy Research Network (NBSPRN) is hosting a fascinating workshop. It is called "Research on Citizen Engagement: Practices, Processes and Delivery". Participants will have the opportunity to discuss research relevant to citizen engagement, and be part of an important dialogue between researchers, the government, communities, businesses and non-profit organizations. The event will be held at the St Thomas University Conference Center, 368 Forest Hill Road Fredericton, NB.
Inquiries about the NBSPRN and their event can be directed at info@rrps-nb-sprn.ca.
Monday’s Blackout Speakout campaign has been deemed a success by organizers. It drew support from around 500 organizations, representing millions of Canadians. In fact, it seems to have been so successful that the conservative government dispatched 10 ministers to hold press conferences across the country to inform Canadians about the “other side of the story”. While conservatives have been pushing support for bill C-38, others have been concocting plans to oppose it. Debate around the new federal budget is escalating, both online and offline, including input from former Fisheries Minister, John Fraser, who has joined the many voices opposed to the bill.
Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party is leading the debate in parliament with support from some Liberal members. Mayplans on proposing hundreds of amendments to the omnibus bill, which will slow down the approval process and allow representatives time for discussion and debate. May hopes her amendments will force the Conservatives to revise the bill and remove a considerable amount of items that do not directly relate to the budget. In fact, because the bill includes so many unrelated items, May says that it does not pass the test of being a real omnibus bill- which should have a single central theme. It is estimated that Elizabeth May’s tactics has a 50-50 chance of succeeding.
Join Jim Goltz, renowned naturalist and conservationist, for a guided nature walk at Shea Lake Nature Preserve! Shea Lake is the Nature Trust’s oldest preserves and an incredibly valuable piece of land for New Brunswick’s endangered plant species, particularly orchids.
Owned by Acadian Timber, the Nature Trust has managed and monitored Shea Lake since 1992. Jim has been an integral part in the maintenance of this preserve and his passion and ability for understanding each component of the ecosystem while astound and inspire.
When: June 16th, 2012 10am-3pm
Where: Shea Lake Nature Preserve
We will meet at the World’s Largest Fiddleheads, across from the Irving, in Plaster Rock, NB at 10am sharp. We should be back at the Fiddleheads around 3pm.
On May 17, the provincial government released documents containing new measures and recommendations on the oil and gas industry in New Brunswick. The documents, prepared by the Natural Gas Group, include 116 recommendations to ensure the environmentally responsible management of the industry, and are divided into short-term (104) and long-term (12). In addition, the government announced it will put in place a maximum fine of $1 million for breaches of the Oil and Natural Gas Act.
The Natural Gas group is now seeking feedback on the new measures and recommendations, and the public is invited to provide comments until July 18, 2012.Led by environmental expert Professor Louis LaPierre, the group will be conducting a citizen engagement tour across the province to collect feedback on the discussion paper. Stopping in selected communities across New Brunswick, they will offer a public open house as well as a public meeting, where citizens will be allowed to ask questions regarding exploration, development or other topics of interest.
● Wednesday, June 6 - Chipman ● Monday, June 11 - Stanley ● Monday, June 18 -Salisbury ● Tuesday, June 19 - Hillsborough ● Wednesday, June 20 - Grand Falls ● Thursday, June 21 - Bathurst ● Friday, June 22 - Bouctouche ● Monday, June 25 - Blackville
Feedback can also be made by contacting the Natural Gas Group at 1350 Regent Street, Room 150 Fredericton, NB E3C 1G6 Fax: (506) 453-3671Email: naturalgas@gnb.ca
The Natural Gas Group is also open to meeting privately with groups or associations, who are asked to e-mail their requests.
Centennial Building P. O. Box 6000 Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1 Canada
Dear Mr. Alward:
Our government is not living up to its commitment to engage with citizens. Shale gas mining and development is one of the most important and controversial issues facing New Brunswickers today. During the past 12 months, thousands of urban and rural New Brunswickers have been moved to action. Some have had their well water tested. Many have participated in protest marches for the first time in their lives. Others have sent letters to newspaper editors denouncing our government’s involvement in the promotion of this industry. All of these well-informed people are cognizant of scientific evidence that confirms that shale gas extraction threatens our air quality, surface and groundwater, health, property values, and quality of life.
Despite your promise in a Moncton speech last October, our MLAs have failed to hold town hall and information meetings “to hear directly from their constituents on this important issue.” So, on May 10th, a group of citizens organized a debate in Fredericton on the pros and cons of shale gas mining. Eight government representatives, including you, were invited to participate. Based on our government’s booklet entitled Citizen Engagement and Responsible Government (http://www.scribd.com/doc/31665820/Citizen-Engagement-and-Responsible-Government), we fully expected our government’s active participation in this debate. Instead, our government declined the invitation.
The e-mail from Mr. Troy Lifford, PC Caucus Chair, attempting to explain our government’s refusal to participate in this debate, was perplexing. Mr. Lifford said our government has yet to decide whether it endorses the development of a shale gas industry in New Brunswick.
This statement seems contradictory to the result of the “free vote” last December, in which Conservative MLAs voted unanimously in favour of “responsible and regulated development” of this industry. Moreover, the Dept. of Natural Resources’ Web site, Natural Gas from Shale, declares, “Welcome to our web site dedicated to shale gas exploration and development,” and goes on to address only the alleged benefits of this industry. This does not sound like the words of a government that is undecided on the issue. Nor have Minister Northrup’s repeated refusals to place a moratorium on the industry pending further study sounded like the stance of a government that has yet to decide.
In April 2012, when Mr. Northrup gave a new shale gas exploration license to Windsor Energy, a company which had previously ignored exploration regulations, he claimed it was to avoid an expensive lawsuit. But in December 2011, our government showed no such reluctance to pass legislation that breached the province’s agreement with Enbridge Gas New Brunswick, legislation to facilitate the economical distribution and use of natural gas. That does not seem to be the action of a government that is undecided about developing a shale gas industry.
Our government just days ago claimed to have developed “world-class” regulations to control the shale gas industry. That, too, does not seem to be the action of a government that is undecided about developing a shale gas industry.
All of our government’s public statements, actions and attitudes have made it clear that it favours the development of this industry in the province, regardless of the well-known and scientifically verified dangers it presents to our people. In such a context, Mr. Lifford’s declarations of government neutrality on the issue seem a disingenuous dodge to avoid accountability for the government’s approach to this issue, a dodge that disrespects all of our cherished democratic principles of public consultation and transparency on important issues affecting the people.
We believe that it is your responsibility, as Minister Responsible for Citizen Engagement, to guide our government in an honest and open discussion of all of the implications of shale gas development in New Brunswick, and to be straightforward and forthcoming about our government’s standpoint towards this extractive resource industry.
Respectfully,
Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis – Beth Nixon
Conservation Council of NB –Stephanie Merrill
Corn Hill Area Residence Association of NB – Jane Achen
Council of Canadians – Carol Ring
Friends of Mount Carleton – Jean Louis Deveau
Friends of UNB Woodlot – Mark D’arcy
Hampton Water First – Chris Rendell
Harvey Environmental Action Team – Terry Wishart
Memramcook Action – Patricia Léger
New Brunswickers Against Fracking – Stan Donovan and Mary de La Vallette
Our Environment, Our Choice –Mike McKinley
Parents Against Everyday Poisons – Stephanie Stoneleigh
Penniac Anti-Shale-Gas Organization – Eric Hadley
Quality of Life Initiative – Otty Forgrave
Sierra Club Atlantic – Hazel Richardson
Stanley Area Action Group – Robert Valiquette
Sustainable Energy Group – Sam Arnold
Tantramar Alliance Against Hydrofracking – Marilyn Lerch
I just have to say it Scott Vaughan is one cool Environment Comissioner! Check out his frank 2012 report on how Canada’s faltering on our climate change commitments and the at times overlooked impacts of contaminated sites. Click here to access the whole report online.
I also included one of his videos here but, click here, if you want to watch some more of his videos – they make his job seem accessible.
In response to the federal government’s recent attacks on environmental groups, through budget cuts and weakening environmental regulations, the country’s leading environmental organizations are planning a black out campaign- vowing to darken their websites on June 4th 2012.
The Sierra Club has called the government’s approach a “war on nature and democracy”, and blacking out websites is one way they are planning to do to fight back. Help spread the word via social networks and visit the website for more information: http://BlackOutSpeakOut.ca,
If you want to take personal action consider signing the petition to Save Canada’s Environmental Laws: http://www.envirolawsmatter.ca/
On June 9th we will symbolically join the alewife (gaspereau) migration up the St Croix in canoes, kayaks, motorized boats, and on foot to call for the opening of the St Croix River to this ecologically important fish. We will hold a rally on the water between St Stephen and Calais. What better way to support a migrating fish than by joining them!
The Passamaquoddy Alewife Group will be leading a two day, 110 mile, relay run on June 9 and 10. They will run from Sipayik, Maine to Grand Falls (where the alewife are currently being blocked) and on to Mud Lake Stream where 4000 year old alewife bones have been found. If you are interested in participating in the run, contact me directly at 506-529-8838 or marine@conservationcouncil.ca and I will pass on your information. The two events will meet at 3pm (AST) / 2pm (EST) at Calais/St Stephen for the rally.
Event details: Date: rally at 3pm (AST) / 2pm (EST), Saturday June 9th (storm date June 10th) Location: The rally will occur on the water between St Stephen and Calais. You may participate by canoe, kayak, row boat, or shore side. Closer to the rally you will receive detailed instructions on where to put in your boats and where to park. Any one wishing to enter a motorized boat please contact me directly at 506-529-8838 or marine@conservationcouncil.ca.
As you know, Alewife (Gaspereau) have been blocked from over 98% of their historic spawning habitat on the St Croix River since 1991 (with a Maine law enacted to this effect in 1995).The St Croix River has potential to have the largest run of alewives on the Eastern Seaboard, hosting runs up to 2.6 million in the late 80’s. After a low of 900 in 2002, alewife have made a modest comeback to 25,000 last year, still a far cry from the 80’s when they were free to run the whole river.
Restoration of alewife to the St Croix matters for the River, the Bay, and the Gulf of Maine. Alewives play a critical ecological role serving as an important source of food for groundfish, marine mammals, and a host of birds and terrestrial animals along the rivers where they spawn. Abundant alewife runs can also serve as a source of bait for the lobster fishery. They aren’t bad eating for us either!
Nature NB’s Nature Champions Nature NB and the Charlotte Street Arts Center invite families to become Nature Champions and participate in a Community Planting Day on May 26th (rain date May 27th) in Fredericton. The goal of Nature NB’s Nature Champions program is to offer youth (ages 6 to 12) the opportunity to participate in an action-based conservation initiative by working with the community in creating conservation spaces. These spaces will include a butterfly/bird garden, bird houses and bat houses. Youth will play an active role in the planning and implementation of each space and will work closely with knowledgeable naturalists to understand the importance of these spaces. Additionally, all spaces will include interpretative signs to educate the public on the importance of the spaces and Nature NB will create a green guide that will help engage youth in the long-term. In addition to providing learning and skill development opportunities to participating youth, creating these conservation spaces will helps increase available habitats for various flora and fauna in urban/suburban settings thus enhancing biodiversity at a local scale. Urban communities are often losing touch with their natural heritage. This disconnect leads to apathy when it comes to protecting our important natural areas. Engaging citizens, especially at a young age, can increase support and pro-active participation in conserving our natural biodiversity.
On May 26th, we will be creating a Wildlife Friendly Space at the Charlotte Street Arts Center in Fredericton. We hope to encourage families to participate!
Background of Nature NB: Nature NB (New Brunswick Federation of Naturalists Inc) is a charitable non-profit provincial organization linking naturalists across the province. It has a mandate to celebrate, conserve and protect New Brunswick’s natural heritage through education, networking and collaboration. Nature NB has over 30 years of nature education and conservation experience and represents a strong network of over a 1000 naturalists. In addition to encouraging a better understanding of the natural environment and awakening concern for our province’s natural heritage, Nature NB recognizes the importance of actions to preserve and maintain that natural heritage. Nature NB's Summer Youth Nature Camps (SYNC) offer kids aged 9 to 14 the opportunity to explore nature through interactive programs in a fun camp setting. Nature NB also supports Young Naturalists’ Clubs and leads nature based education in schools around the province. Among other areas of activity, Nature NB leads projects related to Important Bird Areas, biodiversity and protection of species at risk. (e.g.: Piping Plover and Chimney Swifts).
This event is funded through: NB Wildlife Trust Fund, NB Environmental Trust Fund and TD Friends of the Environment
Fredericton -- One year after the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) called on the federal government to create 12 new marine protected areas by December 2012, the good news is that it is making progress in designating many of them as legal entities. However, CPAWS is concerned that the conservation measures the government is proposing once these areas are designated for protection may be too weak to be effective.
Today, CPAWS is releasing a 20-page report, “Is Canada on track to create 12 new marine protected areas by December 2012?” assessing progress over the past 12 months and noting areas of concern.
“We’re giving the federal government low marks on its progress in negotiations with other levels of government, industry and local communities to designate sites in the Bay of Fundy that we’ve highlighted as potential new marine protected areas, “ says Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of CPAWS New Brunswick Chapter.
Progress on 9 of 12 sites in past year
Out of the 12 marine areas CPAWS has highlighted for action by December 2012, CPAWS has observed significant movement by the federal and other levels of government towards designating three as protected areas, some progress in creating another six, and limited or no progress on the remaining three.
Progress towards designating marine protected areas has been most significant for three sites off the coast of British Columbia – in the Southern Strait of Georgia, in Hecate Strait and surrounding the Scott Islands. In each of these locations, the federal government has made significant advances in consultations and negotiations to establish formal marine protected areas within the past year, and is moving on to the next stages required to finalize them.
In six more locations, off Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Nunavut and Quebec, some progress towards designating new marine protected areas has been made, although more significant steps are required to move them towards completion rapidly.
No progress on protecting 3 important marine ecosystems, including Bay of Fundy
The areas where no notable progress at all has been made towards protection are in the Bay of Fundy, the South Coast Fjords off Newfoundland, and the “Big Eddy” off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
“We are very concerned with the lack of protection in the Bay of Fundy, which stands in stark contrast to the incredible ecological richness of the Bay, and its international importance for humpback, fin and endangered North Atlantic right whales, migratory shorebirds and seabirds. We would like to see Parks Canada come forward with a proposed National Marine Conservation Area that includes strong conservation measures to conserve these values into the future,” says Ms. Clowater.
CPAWS has assessed progress towards protecting these sites on two sets of criteria: one for steps taken in the process to formally establish them as protected areas, the other for creating meaningful conservation measures to protect the long-term health of these marine ecosystems. The latter measures, based on leading science, include establishment of “no take zones” for fishing and rules against other forms of industrial development such as oil and gas drilling.
In all of the 12 areas CPAWS has identified, rare and important forms of sea life deserve protection, ranging from leatherback turtles, to dolphins, right whales and other types of whales, birds including puffins and Cassins auklets, and fish including cod and Atlantic wolffish.
Canada still has huge catch-up job
“We will be watching progress carefully over the next six months to see how much closer Canada gets to meaningful protection for these 12 marine areas by the end of 2012,” says Sabine Jessen, CPAWS national oceans program manager.
“This will be an important sign of how well we’ve laid the groundwork for more marine conservation in the years ahead. Canada still has a huge catch-up job to reach our international commitment of establishing networks of marine protected areas in all of our oceans,” adds Jessen.
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For media interviews, contact:
Roberta Clowater, 506-452-9902; rclowater@cpaws.org
To view CPAWS’ full progress report, executive summary and more about each of the 12 marine areas, visit http://cpaws.org/campaigns/oceans
CPAWS is Canada’s voice for wilderness. Since 1963, we’ve played a lead role in protecting over 500,000 km2 of public land and water. With 13 chapters across Canada, over 50 staff and 50,000 supporters, we work with governments, industry, Indigenous people and local communities to conserve our country’s irreplaceable nature. Our vision is that Canada will protect at least half of our public land and water.
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is very excited to tell you about the launch of our new smartphone application called Deep Map Eco. This application, available for free, lists all our preserves, highlighting the flora and fauna that call these unique New Brunswick landscapes home, and provides detailed maps and directions through your smartphone’s geolocator technology. The people of New Brunswick can also find news and updates to keep them in touch with New Brunswick’s changing face of conservation. Events and outdoor activities are also listed on the app, encouraging modern naturalists to get outdoors and discover what New Brunswick has to offer. And much more!
Now available on iTunes for iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch users!
There's a great new internet resource that anyone working on climate change issues will find handy. This look at the global world gives a good idea of exactly what is going on. The intro video is one and a half minutes long and fascinating to watch.
The NBEN congratulates the recipients of the annual Milton F. Gregg Conservation Awards presented by the CCNB on the 27th of April at the Spring into Action auction and awards evening. The award for lifetime achievement was presented posthumously to recognize the late Florian Levesque from Balmoral. Lawrence Wuest of Stanley received the award for environmental activism. Post-Carbon Moncton was recognized for its organizational achievement and Betty Lizotte from Saint John was recognized for her volunteerism. http://www.conservationcouncil.ca/News/news04261201.aspx
Concerned about the level of clearcutting across the New Brunswick landscape? Frank Johnston has assembled links to satellite photos that tell the tragic tale of NB forests. Keith Wilson has taken a video of clearcutting along the Cains River. Both are eye-opening!
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Please find a set of Google Map links of selected areas of New Brunswicks deforested landscape below. Clicking on the link leads to the Google map satellite view. If you have Google Earth or the Google Earth Plugin installed the Earth view is accessible from the Google Map page. The full frame view is accessed by clicking the delta next to the Print and Link icons. Clicking the Link icon gives the email send to share if any of these images are of interest.
Forested Landscape, Rush Creek, WI - This is a landscape where forested slopes are only harvested sustainably and wetlands are protected. Agriculture uses soil conservation practices.
The NB Government issued a press release on Thursday April 5th (slipping it in right before the Easter weekend to make sure everyone got a chance to see it) announcing the new Species at Risk Act. This Act would replace the existing Endangered Species Act.
The Government states that this new Act is intended to improve the approach to conserving the species at risk, but at least one environmental group is not pleased with the proposed new legislation.
As stated by David Coon, Executive Director of the NBCC, in a CBC News article “It still has weaknesses we identified during consultation period last year… ”. Please click here to read the full article.
One would think the Federal Government budget would be about numbers, cut and dry, instead the Omnibus Budget Bill announced on March 29, 2012 had a lot of very significant non-budgetary related add-ons. Extras like the alterations to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and Fisheries Act will drastically reduce Canada’s environmental protection powers. The worst part is these changes are passing through our democratic process as after thoughts, with little debate, due to the fact they are attached to the budget. Oh and not to forget about the Federal government’s internal cuts to any department or tool that has an environmental focus.
Thank goodness the public is discussing these issues here a few of the news articles for your own thought and discussions.
(Fredericton) – Le Nouveau Brunswick est toujours traînard en matière de conservation - Le plan d'aménagement forestier des terres de la Couronne nuit encore.
La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada, section Nouveau-Brunswick (SNAP NB), dit que le nouveau plan d'aménagement forestier des terres de la Couronne, annoncé aujourd'hui par le ministre des ressources naturelles, est un pas en arrière pour la conservation.
Roberta Clowater, directrice exécutive de la SNAP NB dit, « Le nouveau plan d'aménagement forestier des terres de la Couronne réduit la conservation globale des habitats fauniques et zones tampons riveraines. C'est troublant parce que nous savons que les scientifiques qui spécialisent dans la recherche des animaux sauvages pensent que les niveaux actuels de conservation risquent de ne pas pouvoir maintenir tous les types d'animaux sauvages indigènes dans la province. Aujourd’hui le gouvernement a approuvé un plan pour aller encore plus loin de ce qui est nécessaire. C'est la mauvaise direction pour la conservation. »
Clowater a dit, « Alors que le plan approuve une augmentation dans les aires protégées de 4 % des forêts de la Couronne à 8 % des forêts de la Couronne, ceci assurera la protection de seulement 4,5 % de la province. Ceci n’approche pas ce qui est nécessaire pour assurer la conservation de nos rivières, nos aires de nature sauvages et notre faune sensible. Le Nouveau-Brunswick possèdera toujours la plus petite proportion d’aires protégées au Canada, seulement au-dessus de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard. De plus, les nouvelles aires protégées viendront de la vieille forêt actuellement conservée donc il y a effectivement une perte nette de conservation. »
« Étant donné les préoccupations concernant le changement climatique et l'incertitude sur comment bien nous protégeons nos milieux sauvages et nos eaux, nous sommes très préoccupés par la décision de passer d'un plan de 5 ans à un plan de 10 ans. Nous croyons que c'est un geste risqué, qui nous offre des objectifs de conservation très limitées et ne fournit pas la flexibilité nécessaire pour améliorer la conservation pour une autre décennie. »
« La SNAP NB apprécie que le ministre a pris le temps d'examiner le plan d’aménagement approuvé par le gouvernement précédent qui aurait sévèrement nuit à la conservation des terres publiques. Nous sommes heureux que le ministre a consulté avec la communauté environnementale et reconnu la valeur de la conservation de l'habitat dans ses décisions,» a souligné Clowater.
La SNAP a recommandé qu'au moins 17 % des terres de la Couronne (8,5 % de la province), y compris les plus importantes sections de forêt ancienne, soient désignées d'ici 2015 comme zones protégées permanentes sans exploitation forestière ou minière. Ceci nous rapprocherait au niveau des autres provinces, où le montant moyen des terres protégées est près de 9 %.
(Fredericton) The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, New Brunswick Chapter (CPAWS NB) says the new Crown forest management plan announced today by the Minister of Natural Resources is a step backwards for conservation.
Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of CPAWS NB, said, “The new Crown forest plan reduces the overall conservation of wildlife habitats and riverbank buffers. This is disturbing because we know that wildlife researchers believe that current conservation levels may not be enough to maintain all the kinds of native wildlife throughout the province. The government has now approved a plan to go even further below what is needed. This is the wrong direction for conservation.”
Clowater said, “While the plan approves an increase in protected areas from 4% of Crown forest to 8% of Crown forest, this will result in only 4.5% of the province being protected. This is not even in the ballpark of what is needed to ensure conservation of our rivers, wilderness areas and sensitive wildlife. New Brunswick will still have the lowest protected areas proportion in Canada, only above PEI. As well, the new protected areas will come from the currently conserved old forest, so there is actually a net loss in area to conservation.”
“Given concerns about climate changes and uncertainty about how well we are currently conserving habitats and water, we are very concerned about the decision to go from a 5 year plan to a 10 year plan. We believe this is a risky move, one that locks us into very limited conservation objectives, and doesn’t provide the flexibility to improve conservation for another decade.”
“CPAWS NB appreciates that the Minister took the time to review the forest plan approved by the previous government, which would have severely rolled back conservation on public land. We’re pleased that the Minister consulted widely with the conservation community, and recognized the value of habitat conservation as in important factor in his considerations,” noted Clowater.
CPAWS had recommended that at least 17% of Crown land (8.5% of the province), including the largest patches of old forest, be designated by 2015 in permanent protected areas, where no logging or mining would take place. This amount would move us closer to the level in other provinces, where the average amount of land protected is nearly 9%.
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Contact:
Roberta Clowater, 506-452-9902; cpawsnb{at}nb.sympatico.ca
CPAWS is New Brunswick’s voice for wilderness. For more information on CPAWS NB and our conservation work, please visit www.cpawsnb.org
Florian Levesque will be deeply missed by many people from across the province of New Brunswick. His life and work were an inspiration to all and he was a true champion for his community and the environment. His contributions to environmental causes made a real difference for this province and will not be forgotten. Our deepest condolences to his friends and family.
Inka Milewski calls Florian Levesque a giant in New Brunswick’s environmental and social justice wars. Florian, 53, died on March 23rd while jogging.
"He was my friend and fellow strategist. He was a happy, creative and generous person that lived and breathed his commitment to the people around him and the community he lived in," said Milewski who worked with Florian on numerous files aimed at protecting the environment and people of northern New Brunswick. Florian was a driving force behind efforts to stop the Bennett toxic waste incinerator from operating in Belledune. He was also active on campaigns to protect the public forest of New Brunswick and make community forestry a viable option in the province.
Florian's environmental activism was rooted in principles of environmental justice, which led to the NB Media Co-op recruiting him as their founding environmental justice advisor. His wise and witty commentary graced many columns of newspapers, airwaves of radio stations and email inboxes of organizers in a variety of environmental and social movements. Recently, Environnement Vie, a co-operative that thrived with Florian's direction and dedication, held workshops throughout northern New Brunswick on how to live more sustainably. He wanted to start a school that imparted knowledge of the forest and how to protect and restore it.
Florian lived in Ontario for decades and returned to his native home of Balmoral, near Campbellton, in 1993.
Florian's activism was not limited to New Brunswick. He was a member of Solidarité Acadie-Palestine and donated generously to the Canada Boat to Gaza campaign, which is determined to break Israel's blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
He believed in the power of stories, art and theater to change the world. He was a passionate speaker and storyteller. As the character, Monsieur Flo, he got children to open up their imaginations to a world of possibilities. His life story inspires all those fighting for environmental and social justice.
Florian is survived by his partner Alexandra (Alex), his son Jeremy, his parents, siblings and in-laws. His family asks that donations in his name be made to Environnement Vie or Amnesty International.
C’est avec énormément de tristesse que la famille de Florian Levesque annonce son décès, survenu à Balmoral, le vendredi 23 mars 2012, à l’âge de 53 ans. Né le 8 mars 1959 à Balmoral, il était le fils d’Emilien et de Lucienne Levesque. Outre ses parents, il laisse dans le deuil sa conjointe, Alexandra Jones, et leur fils, Jérémy; sa soeur et ses frères: Carole (Serge), Jean (Line) et Mario (Adrienne), tous de Balmoral; les parents d’Alexandra: Michael et Karen Jones de Balmoral; les soeurs d’Alexandra: Victoria (Paul) de Toronto, Ontario, et Ariane (Daryl) de Cold Lake, Alberta, ainsi que 10 neveux et nièces: Jean-Daniel, Maxime, Mathieu, Francesca, Anne-Renée, Alyssa, Kristel, Vanessa, Charlotte et Julia.
Ses grands-parents paternels et maternels l’ont précédé dans la tombe. Connu pour son travail d’artiste et son engagement communautaire, il aura mené de front de nombreux projets avec la complicité de gens de milieux variés. Journaliste au début de sa carrière, il a quitté sa région natale pour travailler en Ontario en tant que journaliste et relationniste. Il est revenu chez lui en 1993 pour travailler à la radio communautaire. Par la suite, à son compte personnel, il a oeuvré comme consultant en communication sur des dossiers acadiens et artistiques d’envergure. Il vivait de sa plume. Il publiait des livres pour enfants et a créé le personnage de Monsieur Flo, conteur haut en couleur. Plus tard, il a ajouté le personnage de Lévêke pour rejoindre le public adulte avec son message environnementaliste, unificateur et spirituel. Il a présenté ses spectacles partout au Canada et en Europe.
Sur le plan communautaire, il a été engagé dans la lutte contre les changements à l’assurance-emploi, un mouvement appuyé par les communautés acadiennes, québécoises, anglaises et autochtones de la région. Plus tard, il s’est fait remarquer comme catalyseur dans la lutte contre l’implantation de l’usine de traitement de sols contaminés Bennett. Cette lutte a aussi rassemblé les différentes communautés de la région et sa réussite était pour lui une grande fierté. Avec les membres de la Coop Environnement-Vie, il a organisé des projets porteurs d’espoir comme des conférences sur des thèmes tels que les médecines alternatives et un projet d’école de la forêt.
Il a aussi exprimé son avis sur la politique, l’environnement, la communauté et la vie en général, dans un billet hebdomadaire du journal provincial L’Étoile. Florian Levesque aura incité les gens de sa région à la réflexion, à prendre parole et à agir. Il était l’exemple en ce sens.
Les visites auront lieu au Salon funéraire Savoie, 47, rue Alexander, à Campbellton, le mardi 27 mars, de 14h à 16h et de 19h à 21h et le mercredi 28 mars, de 14h à 16h, suivies immédiatement d’une réception à la salle communautaire de Balmoral. Un don à la Fondation Environnement-Vie ou à Amnistie internationale Canada serait apprécié par la famille.
Ceux qui désirent signer le registre des invités, faire un don ou envoyer un message de condoléances à la famille de Florian Levesque peuvent le faire en visitant le site Internet (www.salonsavoie.ca).
La direction des funérailles a été confiée aux soins du Salon funéraire Savoie de Campbellton (753-7200).
Congratulations to the province on the release of the two new energy maps showing the potential for micro-hydro and solar in the province. These maps join the wind atlas. Check them out at http://www.gnb.ca/0085/index-e.asp.
Nature Moncton March Meeting Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Guest Speaker: Emile Gautreau
Subject: Native Culture and Mother Nature
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location Rotary Pavilion, Mapleton Park
.Emile will be giving Nature Moncton an insight into his native culture and the importance of showing respect to all Mother Nature has to offer. Each aspect of nature has a spirit from the tiny ant to the large maple tree. As naturalists we must show Nature respect if we want to learn what Mother Nature has to offer us.
Émile Gautreau from Amherst, Nova Scotia is a Métis elder and a highly- esteemed spiritual leader within his community. When he was around 23 he went into the far north and the Dene people told him he was one of them. They eventually they made him an honorary member of their tribe. They taught him who he was, and taught him the culture of his people. His career has involved the air force for five years, before going to work for the provincial government for 2 years. This was followed by work with the Canadian Forestry Service involving forest biology and forest botany and etymology. He did this for 15 years and then was ready to learn something else. He transferred from Canadian Forestry Service to Correctional Services Canada. He went into the social work field and eventually became a parole officer until he retired. He was involved with the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Fitness in Nova Scotia, and while there taught courses in survival, woodsman ship, and edible plants for 20 years.
Nature Moncton Meeting Site
The monthly meeting site of Nature Moncton takes place every third Tuesday of the month, except in December which is the second Tuesday of that month, is at the Rotary Pavilion, Mapleton Park.
From intercity, proceed North on Mapleton Road (off Mountain road) 2.4 km to a set of lights. At this set of lights, turn immediately left following the Rotary Pavilion signage the short distance into the Pavilion which is situated aside the trails leading into Mapleton Park.
Coming from the TCH, take the Mapleton Road exit # 454. At the first set of lights coming into the city (South on Mapleton Road) turn right into Mapleton Park and the Rotary Pavilion which is less than 1 minute from the TCH.
(Fredericton) – Le 16 février, Roberta Clowater, Directrice générale de la section néo-brunswickoise de la SNAP, présenté une liste de noms au Premier ministre Alward, à l’Edifice du Centenaire ; une liste des noms de plus de 10 000 Canadiens et Canadiennes qui lui demandent de protéger au moins 10 % du dernier plus grand bassin versant sauvage de la province.
La présentation de ce message de la SNAP aura lieu juste avant, et pour coïncider avec, l’aboutissement d’un nouveau plan pour les terres publiques (de la Couronne) par le Ministère des Ressources Naturelles du Nouveau-Brunswick.
« Ce fut une inspiration pour nous de voir tant de personnes – surtout des Néo-Brunswickois et des Québécois – qui ont à coeur la protection de cette aire sauvage extraordinaire dans la Restigouche, et qui veulent s’assurer que ces valeurs soient protégées, » déclarait Clowater.
La SNAP a fait valoir à la population que c’était l’occasion de protéger la Restigouche – fameuse pour ses rivières de saumon sauvage, ses montagnes de forêts brumeuses et sa faune sauvage – par l’entremise des médias sociaux, tel que Facebook, et en partenariat avec Mountain Equipment Co-op.
« Le nombre de personnes qui ont répondu à l’appel renforce réellement notre message au Premier ministre Alward que la province doit passer à l’action dès maintenant pour protéger plus de nos zones sauvages, surtout celle de la Restigouche. Nous avons tâté le pouls de l’inquiétude du public vis à vis l’avenir des merveilleuses aires sauvages de notre province – et maintenant nous demandons au gouvernement de passer à l’action, » expliquait Clowater.
« Il est inadmissible que le Nouveau-Brunswick se classe avant-dernier au Canada dans le pourcentage d’aires protégées, comparé aux autres provinces et territoires. On ne fait pas notre part égale pour protéger les zones sauvages et la vie sauvage, ainsi que les emplois importants en loisirs et en tourisme qu’elles soutiennent au Nouveau-Brunswick, » ajoutait Clowater.
« Afin que le Nouveau-Brunswick s’approche de la moyenne canadienne, le gouvernement doit s’engager à protéger tout au moins 17 % des terres publiques (de la Couronne) de la province d’ici 2015, ce qui représenterait 8,5 % de la province. Ceci ferait en sorte que les sections les plus sauvages de la Restigouche et de la province soient protégées de manière permanente contre le développement et l’activité industrielle. »
Présentement, seulement 3 % du Nouveau-Brunswick est protégé d’une manière permanente, comparé à presque 9 % des terres dans les autres provinces. La Nouvelle-Écosse s’est fixée une cible de 12 % de l’ensemble de la province d’ici 2015 et elle est bien en avant du Nouveau-Brunswick dans l’atteinte de son objectif.
Pour plus d’information sur la SNAP ou sur la campagne pour la protection de la Restigouche, visitez le http://restigouchesauvage.ca ou www. cpawsnb.org
