Alward confirms free vote on shale gas motion

Premier David Alward has confirmed he'll allow a free vote next week on a resolution about the controversial shale gas industry, backing up an earlier pledge by the natural resources minister.

"I've already said our motion will be a free vote, and I'm looking forward to that," Alward said.

The legislature will vote Tuesday on a non-binding resolution saying it supports the "responsible development of a shale gas industry."

Free votes allow MLAs to vote against their party line without facing any consequences.

Some members are feeling the pressurein their ridings from anti-shale protesters.

Conservative MLA, Kirk MacDonald, of York North,tabled a petition against the industry earlier this weekwith nearly 16,000 signatures, and hasn't said how he will vote on the contentious issue.

MacDonald said he is not breaking ranks with his party. He did not endorse or repudiate the petitions call for a ban on shale gas development. However, he did say he shares the same questions and concerns as some of his constituents.

Alward said all Tory members will be free to vote the way they want.

But the premier would not commit to letting his members vote freely on shale gas resolutions introduced by the Liberal opposition.

On Wednesday, Natural Resources MinisterBruce Northrup vowed that MLAs would get a free voteon how they feel about the development of the industry and hydraulic fracturing.