New Brunswick is opening a five‑month review to determine whether its long‑standing moratorium on natural gas development still aligns with today’s science, technology and economic realities.
Premier Susan Holt said the province is facing rising energy needs, economic pressure and global uncertainty, and the review is meant to determine whether natural gas could help support the province’s future.
Holt said shifting international dynamics are part of the reason for revisiting the moratorium.
“We see a global dynamic, a shift in relationships, in energy. We see our allies in Germany and Poland, who are looking for natural gas,” Holt said.
Five areas under review
Holt said the government wants updated evidence before deciding whether natural gas development could benefit the province.
“The only responsible thing to do at this point in time is to revisit the conditions of the moratorium to determine if this is something that can benefit New Brunswickers or not,” she said.
The review will examine five key areas:
- First Nations rights, interests and priorities
- The size and nature of New Brunswick’s natural gas resource
- Science, technology and environmental impacts
- Economic benefits such as jobs, royalties and investment
- Public support for responsible development
The province says the process will include technical analysis and meetings with First Nations, local governments, industry and other stakeholders.
Natural Resources Minister John Herron said the moratorium was put in place 12 years ago and the province needs updated information on modern extraction methods and environmental safeguards.
“If we can’t be certain that this can be done safely, it won’t be done at all,” Herron said.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson said First Nations must be central to any discussion about natural‑resource development.
“We have always believed that meaningful engagement means coming to the table early, listening carefully and working together toward shared goals,” Chiasson said.
Public engagement coming this fall
Government says stakeholder engagement sessions and a public survey will launch in early fall to gather feedback, identify concerns and better understand New Brunswickers’ perspectives.
Officials say these sessions will help inform the review and any future decisions.
A final decision on the moratorium is expected in January.
