N.B. Green party vows to ban shale gas, cancel forest contracts
by The Canadian Press
Other commitments include ending subsidies and tax credits for the resource sector and legislating stronger greenhouse gas reduction targets
FREDERICTON—New Brunswick’s Green party is promising to ban shale gas development, cancel all contracts signed under the province’s forestry plan and make access to abortion easier.
The measures are among a suite of promises that the Greens say will improve sustainability, ensure equal access to health care and boost government accountability.
Other commitments include ending subsidies and tax credits for the resource sector and legislating stronger greenhouse gas reduction targets by phasing out fossil fuels and shifting to sources of renewable energy.
“The people of New Brunswick deserve new ideas,” Green party Leader David Coon said in a statement from Fredericton. “This province has the talent, the values and the means to change.”
Coon also vowed to repeal the regulation that requires women to seek permission from two doctors before accessing publicly funded abortion services.
The Liberals, NDP and governing Progressive Conservatives have not yet released their platforms.
NDP Leader Dominic Cardy said in Fredericton that he would eliminate the small business tax within six months of taking office, a commitment he says would cost about $32 million.
Premier David Alward campaigned in Moncton, where he said 13 charter flights depart weekly carrying skilled workers to jobs elsewhere—jobs he said a flourishing energy sector would bring back.
Alward said the development of shale gas and other natural resources would generate about $10 billion in private sector investment, which could encourage those workers to come home.
