Higgs pitches First Nations on up to $1.6B in revenue with possible shale gas expansion – CBC

Mar 30, 2023

Pabineau First Nation Chief Terry Richardson says he’s opposed to any new fracking

Premier Blaine Higgs is pitching First Nations on hefty revenue potential if they agree to allow new shale gas development in New Brunswick.

But at least one Mi’kmaw chief is already standing in opposition to any new potential fracking because of environmental concerns and worries that it’s being used as a political bargaining chip.

Higgs confirmed in an interview that his government sent all chiefs a letter this month outlining how they could potentially see between $800 million and $1.6 billion in revenue — shared among them over 20 years — if a shale gas reserve near Sussex is further developed.

“The potential opportunity for First Nations is an absolute game changer for every First Nations community in this province,” Higgs said.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-fracking-shale-gas-first-nations-1.6794489