MONCTON, N.B. – A meeting is set for this afternoon between Premier David Alward and members of the Elsipogtog First Nation in an effort to end a protest that has blocked a highway in eastern New Brunswick for a week.
The RCMP blocked Highway 134 last Sunday after a protest against shale gas exploration began spilling onto the highway.
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Protesters subsequently cut down trees across another part of the highway and have blocked an entrance to a compound used by SWN Resources to store exploration equipment.
The large group of protesters – which includes members of the Elsipogtog community – have been demanding a meeting with the premier, and for SWN Resources to stop seismic testing and leave the province.
Opponents of the shale gas industry say the method of extracting the gas, known as fracking, would threaten groundwater.
The meeting is to include Alward, Energy Minister Craig Leonard, Chief Arren Sock, council members and elders.
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