Unlocking Nova Scotia's Natural Gas Potential

Nova Scotia has significant natural gas reserves that could provide centuries of consumption in Atlantic Canada. However, after two major projects ended production in 2018, the province stopped producing its own natural gas and now relies heavily on imports from the United States and Western Canada.

The reliance on imports, combined with limited infrastructure to meet peak demand, has led to some of the highest natural gas prices in the world during winter. Developing Nova Scotia's natural gas resources could help reduce costs for households and businesses while allowing the province to shift from importer to exporter.

Recent exploration rights granted by the Houston government have secured a commitment of $210 million in initial investment, with the potential to unlock natural gas resources worth between $47 billion and $190 billion. This represents a significant windfall in investment, jobs, and broader economic opportunities for the province, where incomes are among the lowest in Canada.

Nova Scotia already has over two decades of offshore natural gas exploration and development experience, supported by a strong safety and environmental record. While onshore development raises concerns about hydraulic fracturing (fracking), the evidence suggests that this technology can be carried out safely and responsibly with proper design and execution.