Group says answers needed about RCMP response to anti-shale gas protest

MONCTON – A group opposed to shale gas development in New Brunswick is raising questions about the RCMP’s enforcement of an injunction against protesters last week in the province.

Jim Emberger of the New Brunswick Anti-Shale Gas Alliance says the Mounties should be asked about the authorization, timing and necessity of their actions Thursday near Rexton.

Emberger says there have been many peaceful anti-shale gas demonstrations in the province.

READ MORE: Complete coverage of the shale gas protests in New Brunswick

Forty people were arrested and weapons seized when the Mounties enforced the court-ordered injunction to end the blockade of a SWN Resources storage compound for exploration equipment and vehicles.

Six police vehicles including an unmarked van were burned and the RCMP have said they had Molotov cocktails tossed at them.

In response, police fired non-lethal beanbag-type bullets and used pepper spray to defuse the situation.

Emberger told a news conference in Moncton that his group will track the position of candidates on the shale gas issue in next year’s provincial election.

He says the alliance is also raising money to fund a legal challenge to the shale gas industry in New Brunswick.