Holt's Government to Review Fracking Ban in New Brunswick Amid Trade Tensions

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt announced on Wednesday that her government will review the province's ban on hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. The move comes amid escalating trade tensions with the United States and an effort to boost the provincial economy.

The Liberal government is considering whether to drop its long-standing moratorium on extracting New Brunswick's large natural gas reserves through fracking. Holt said she wants to look at all options to support growth in her province, including securing Canada's energy independence.

Holt emphasized that the review is a conversation starter and not a green light for drilling operations to begin immediately. She noted that private sector companies have shown little interest in fracking New Brunswick's gas reserves since the ban was implemented in 2014.

The province relies heavily on natural gas piped from U.S. shale fields via the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline, with costs fluctuating drastically from day to day. Efforts by Holt's government to convince Quebec to extend a natural gas pipeline have been unsuccessful so far.