Resource extraction debates ignite in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia legislature is pictured. (Callum Smith/CTV News Atlantic)

Conversationists are fighting Nova Scotia’s push to drill and mine. Many feel blindsided by the resource extraction agenda.

The government argues it has been blindsided by the U.S. trade situation and Iran war, which has spiked prices, and demands the province be less reliant on foreign energy.

It came to a head at an information session in Windsor, N.S., this week, with opposition shouting down the idea of onshore gas development or hydraulic fracturing.

“Welcome to the next few years. These issues will continue to be front and center for Nova Scotia and Nova Scotians,” says Tom Urbaniak, CBU professor of political science.

Premier Tim Houston pushed back online, insisting resource development is needed for good jobs and pays for services like healthcare.

The Ecology Action Centre released its own survey results on Earth Day, showing the majority of respondents want more land protected in the province.

“It’s important for the public and for the province to know that there is strong public support for them to move forward on their longstanding and legally binding protected areas commitments to reach 20 per cent by 2030,” says Raymond Plourde, senior wilderness coordinator of the Ecology Action Centre.

Government numbers show 15 per cent is currently protected.

Plourde says many respondents to the survey are in rural areas, where resource development is hot on the mind of the government.

“The least that they can do is sincerely consult and listen to the public and what they have to say,” he adds.

Professor Urbaniak agrees, the government needs to garner more public support.

“It is hard work to sort of go into communities, explain what you have in mind, share the research and expertise built and patiently build a collaborative approach with First Nations communities. I’m not seeing a lot of that happening,” he says.

He expects more demonstrations, debate and delays to the province’s plan.

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