A Special Report on the “Public Forum on Horizontal Slickwater Fracturing” (April 7) at Port au Port East

Reposted from the blog of the 4 O'clock Whistle

     At 2pm on April 7th about 400 hundred people showed up to take part in a public forum on Shoal Point Energy’s proposal to conduct horizontal slickwater fracturing (fracking) on the West Coast of Newfoundland. Several presentations were given on the subject ranging from an overview of the Province’s existing and environmental assessment process (which appears to contain the potential of producing a biased assessment), to the threat of environmental damage from fracking. Several representatives of government were present, including Tom Marshall, as well as representatives of the Department of Natural Resources and the Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board. However no representatives of Shoal Point Energy appeared to be in attendance.

Fracking Awareness Group Media Release

Port au Port/Bay St. George Fracking Awareness Group

Media Release

March 19, 2013

Re: Port au Port /Bay St. George Fracking Awareness Group is asking Government to take a Precautionary Approach  in the Regulation of Fracking for Oil and Gas.

A Letter from MP Gerry Byrne Regarding Proposals for Hydraulic Fracturing on the West Coast of Newfoundland

Dear Dr. Simpson:

Thank you for your email regarding the process of hydrocarbon extraction
through the process of hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’. While most oil
exploration and commercial production activity in Canada occurs exclusively
under provincial management and regulation, the federal government does
regulate offshore activity and that which takes place in the Canadian North.
Toxic chemicals, however, are under federal jurisdiction and the process of
fracking is understood to involve the introduction of various chemicals
including various acids and abrasives into the targeted rock formations and
is, therefore, very much under federal oversight.

Regular Talking Circles on the West Coast of Newfoundland to Address the Systemic Causes of Social and Environmental Injustice in the Province – First Talking Circle (March 17th)

The first in a series of Talking Circles (to rotate between St. Georges and Corner Brook) will be held on Sunday, March 17th starting at 2 pm in the Cultural Centre, St Georges. These circles will be aimed at addressing the systemic causes of social and environmental injustice in the Newfoundland and Labrador.

A talking circle is used as a way to organize group discussions in an egalitarian manner. Group members typically sit in a circle and discuss issues with simple rules: the talking stick, or other object, is passed around the circle, and the person holding the talking stick may speak though the "holder" may allow interjection. It can be a place where people come together for personal healing in search for new directions or to make amends. People participating are there to deal with whatever the subject is and talking stick encourages effective speaking and listening/acknowledging.