3 N.B. opposition parties unite against shale gas

New Brunswick's three smaller opposition parties are forming a united front against the shale gas industry.

The New Democratic Party, Green Party and People's Alliance Party all signed a statement on Tuesday opposing the shale gas industry. The party leaders are also hoping Progressive Conservative MLAs will vote against an upcoming motion supporting the shale gas industry.

"Today our three parties stand together against shale gas." said New Democrat leader Dominic Cardy in a statement.

"Thats why we call for a conditional ban based on a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of shale gas that takes into account every environmental and economic cost. We need development, but this is not the way ahead."

People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin said in the statement that the three opposition parties all have different positions on the shale gas industry. For instance, his partyis calling for a moratorium on shale gas development.

But he said the three parties are consistent in the belief that the industry must be slowed down.

"We need to put the brakes on shale gas development until we are convinced it can be done safely. This industry is being recklessly pursued by the Alward government without full regard for the potential consequences," he said.

Interim Green Party Leader Greta Doucet said her party is "prepared to join with other parties promoting a different path forward for our province."

Also in the statement, the three party leaderssaid they hoped that Tory MLAs "will vote with their conscience and take advantage of the rare privilege of a free vote onshale gas to express their personal, and not their partys, convictions."

The Opposition Liberals have also been calling for a halt to the shale gas industry. But the Liberals were not mentioned in the statement by the three smaller opposition parties.

None of the three smaller opposition parties has an elected member in the Legislative Assembly.

Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup has consistently ruled out a moratorium on shale gas exploration.

The Alward government has already strengthened shale gas regulations. And the Alward government has promised a new Environmental Protection Plan will be introduced in the spring.