The panel that spent 18 months researching the effects of fracking reported that the oil discovered there would not be a game changer for Newfoundland. An independent study suggested there could be as much as 6 billion barrels embedded in the shale at Shoal Point. This would not amount to a “game changer”? Who are you prepared to listen to, a panel that had no oil expert on board, or the experts who did the study?
I just finished reading Natural Minister Siobhan Coady’s biography and was very impressed. However, I’m very disappointed that with her solid business background she is not doing more to develop the west coast by allowing fracking of the huge oil resource there. This development could build new towns, new schools, new neighbourhoods, yet her government gives in to the concerns of about 200 people who are mostly retired and well-off. Their concerns are selfish ones with no thought for the people who could benefit greatly if this project were allowed to go forward.
I was born and raised in Newfoundland but I have to say that the inability of every Newfoundland government to make sound business decisions just boggles my mind. Our province is broke. Sure, there are some new oil discoveries offshore, but it will take years to develop them. We have a chance now to receive almost immediate results from Shoal Point and yet no one has the courage to say, “Let’s go.” Quebec has given the go-ahead to frack Anticosti Island (after placing a moratorium for a short period) and they will be off and running if they strike oil, leaving Newfoundland far behind.
The government’s latest mistake was in appointing a panel that could not make a decision, so they put a “pause” on fracking. How many people do you actually know who have been harmed by fracking?
I’m suggesting that elected officials in N.L. use their brains to help the province out of the mess it’s in and make a wise decision for a change.
Amy King
St. Lambert, Que.
Formerly of Bell Island