Anti-Fracking protest in Nova Scotia

Over 200 people from all over Nova Scotia came out over the weekend to protest the threat of oil and gas drilling on Lake Ainslie.

The event which took place on September 22nd coincided with International Anti-Fracking Day.

Fracking is the hydraulic fracturing of the earth in search of fossil fuels.

The technique is environmentally damaging, and threatens the province’s largest freshwater lake.

The Nova Scotian government has granted only one exploratory well permit to Toronto-based PetroWorth Resources.

PetroWorth has promised that no fracking would occur however some are concerned over how far that promise goes.

Other terms for fracking include well stimulation, well cleaning, and well completion. A local resident close to the potential drilling site noted that all of these terms use the same processes and chemicals.

While the local Mi’kmaq Chiefs initially accepted the permit in talks with the government, pressure from Mi’kmaq organizers forced a change of heart. However a Mi’kmaq chief, Wilbert Marshall, stated that the chiefs were totally against the project fearing it would ruin the water.

After being taken to court by the Margaree Environmental Association and seeing a fall in share value, signs of pressure are increasing for PetroWorth.