The Province of Nova Scotia issued a ban on fracking in the province on Nov 14, 2014, as an amendment to the Petroleum Resources Act (Bill No 6) that “(a) prohibits high-volume hydraulic fracturing in shale unless exempted by regulation for the purpose of testing or research” https://nslegislature.ca/…/62nd_2nd/1st_read/b006.htm

This ban was enacted as a result of extensive research and consultation with Mi’kmaq Councils, the public as well as health and environmental experts.

On March 26, 2025 Amendments to Bill 6 was given Royal Assent, passing into law “An Act respecting Agriculture, Energy and Natural Resources”. This Bill lifts the moritorium on both fracking and uranium mining in the province and opens up Nova Scotia to the exploration and mining of other marketable minerals such as lithium. All without substantial community, scientific and Mi’kmaw consultation.

YET:

On October 27 2021, Tim Houston was recorded during a debate with Gary Burrill and in answer to a direct question from Iain Rankin that Tim Houston, as Premier of the province, would maintain the ban on fracking for the duration of his time in office as Premier. That ban has now been lifted.

On March 17 and 18, 2025 The Public Bills Committee heard submissions from the public regarding the amndments to Bill No 6. No submissions supported fracking in the province. Links to the presentations are here.

In the NOFRAC submission to the Public Bills Committee (March 17, 2025), Barbara Harris stated:  “In late 2013, the Nova Scotia government established an independent review panel on Hydraulic Fracturing in Nova Scotia. The expert panel spent six months reviewing the science and the knowledge gaps. It considered Nova Scotia specifics including geology and the resource available. Eleven public hearings were held throughout the province, attended by over 1200 people. Close to 250 independent experts and community members made detailed submissions.”

Read the full submission (with Appendices) here.

It’s not just about shale fracturing. Coal beds are also fractured…

What is fracking: a short film

Lindsay Lee Facebook post: a summary of public presentations to the Public Bills Committee

March 17, 2025

Doctors. Concerned citizens. Environmental advocates. Faith groups. A geologist. Grandmothers.
These are some of the people who spoke out this week against Bill 6, which will open the door to fracking and uranium mining in Nova Scotia.
Thank you for raising awareness, getting your opposition on the record, and engaging with the democratic process in such a thoughtful way. Even though the government isn’t interested in listening, it’s important to get these messages out to the public and the media. You did that.
For what it’s worth, no one came forward in favour of lifting the ban on fracking, and the only presenter who advocated for uranium mining is Sean Kirby, whose job it is to promote mining in NS. I’ve included his presentation below, too.

11. Margaret Matchum
    Earth Spirit Action Team of St. Matthew’s United Church
    https://www.youtube.com/live/waUnSIvEjlc…

12. Barbara Gallagher
    Citizen Action to Protect the Environment
    https://www.youtube.com/live/waUnSIvEjlc…

13. Diane Doucet-Kenny
    Concerned citizen
    https://www.youtube.com/live/waUnSIvEjlc…

14. Susan Pirie
    Concerned citizen
    https://www.youtube.com/live/sWefb1ytPwU…

15. Brenna Thibodeau
    https://www.youtube.com/live/sWefb1ytPwU…

16. Megan Krempa
    https://www.youtube.com/live/sWefb1ytPwU…

17. Gretchen Fitzgerald
    Sierra Club Canada Foundation
    https://www.youtube.com/live/sWefb1ytPwU…

18. Marnie Reynolds
    Concerned citizen
    https://www.youtube.com/live/eHkCQ5NM5qw…

19. Brad Redden
    A geologist who worked in uranium exploration
    https://www.youtube.com/live/eHkCQ5NM5qw…

21. Laura Dunn
    Concerned citizen
    https://www.youtube.com/live/eHkCQ5NM5qw…
22. Dr. Cathy Cervin
    Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
    https://www.youtube.com/live/eHkCQ5NM5qw…