Saint John council urged to show support for shale gas

Economic consultant David Campbell says without the support of local governments it's unlikely there will ever be a shale gas industry in New Brunswick.

He brought that message to Saint John council on Monday night, saying it has been very difficult to get that support from local politicians.

"A lot of municipalities around the province are very reluctant to support oil and gas development," Campbell said. "And why? Because they're getting phone calls from their residents."

Campbell is open about the fact that he is a supporter of natural gas exploration in New Brunswick.

He saysit could provide decades of high paying work, although he also acknowledges that the public hasn't been convinced.

"I can't believe, if local government in New Brunswick is not supportive of shale gas across the province in majority, I would have a hard time seeing the industry go forward."

Consensus on shale gas among Saint John area municipalities unclear

Saint John and the suburban town ofRothesay havebothpassed motions in support of shale gas exploration, however Quispamsis passed a motion in 2012 opposing shale gas exploration within town limits.

QuispamsisMayor Murray Driscoll says his council is against it because of concerns around residential water wells.

Driscoll says every community has to make its own decision about shale gas exploration and development.

"I cannot decide for Saint John, orRothesayor Hampton or anywhere else," he said.

But Saint John Mayor Mel Norton suggestedon Monday night that hiscity now has the support of the town ofQuispamsis for its motion in support of the industry.

"That was passed unanimously," Norton said, referring to a January vote at a meeting of the Fundy Regional Commission, in which he says Quispamsis voted in favour of shale gas exploration.

Campbell told Saint John council it will have to speak up in favour of the industry and show leadershipif itwants to see it moveahead.

He says municipal politicians are closest to the people and shouldn't expect the provincial government to win the public over on its own.