Emotions high as N.B. shale gas protests continue

FREDERICTON – The commanding officer for the RCMP in New Brunswick says emotions are high as a shale gas protest continues near Rexton.

The RCMP blocked Highway 134 on September 29th after the protest began spilling onto the road.

Trees have been cut down across another part of the highway, and demonstrators have also blocked the entrance to a compound used by oil and gas company SWN (swin) Resources.

Assistant commissioner Roger Brown says the RCMP respects the right to protest peacefully, and is monitoring the situation.

The protesters include members of the Elsipogtog First Nation.

Chief Arren Sock met this week with Premier David Alward, and agreed to create a working group to work towards a resolution.

Brown says he’s disappointed the protest is ongoing.

But he says police are respecting the negotiations and efforts for a peaceful resolution.