Shale gas: Conservatives must act and impose promised regulations

Stephen Harper must protect Canadians and consider the harmful environmental effects

OTTAWA – NDP Environment Critic, Megan Leslie, took advantage of Stephen Harper’s meeting with Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, on the subject of shale gas to criticize Conservative inaction on this issue.

Conservatives still haven’t imposed shale gas regulations that were promised over two years ago and refuse to answer questions from NDP MPs on the issue in the House, said Leslie.

“The situation is urgent. The federal government plays its part in shale gas exploration and development. But the Conservatives are avoiding all responsibility by attacking environmental assessments in their budget. How can Stephen Harper tell the Polish Prime Minister about regulating shale gas when the Conservatives refuse to do their homework here in Canada?” said Leslie.

“Canadians are concerned about this issue and it’s time for the Conservatives to act in their interest instead of that of their friends in the oil industry. It’s time they act to protect Canadians against the harmful effects of shale gas,” she said.

The NDP is calling on the Conservatives to impose adequate regulations on shale gas exploration without delay.

“The Conservatives must protect our environment and Canadians who are concerned about the risks of water pollution and earthquakes associated with shale gas fracking. There is a reason why this technique is subject to a moratorium in several provinces.”