Oppose Fracking in NS August 2026

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Subject: NS Government negotiating with Questerre Energy to permit fracked gas exploration

To the Hon. Tory Rushton, Ms. Smith-McCrossen, Ms. Hirtle, and Dr. Brooks, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and Graham Gagnon:

I am writing to express my deep alarm regarding reports that the Nova Scotia government is negotiating with Questerre Energy to permit fracked gas exploration in the Cumberland Basin.

Fracking poses an immediate threat to our region's safety, health, and economic stability. The process demands massive volumes of water and produces toxic wastewater that risks contaminating the clean water essential for our drinking supply, agriculture, and aquatic ecosystems. With climate impacts, including droughts, already intensifying, risking our water resources is dangerous and reckless.

This initiative also directly undermines Indigenous rights and community trust. In March 2025, the Assembly of Mi’kmaw Chiefs explicitly stated to the Premier: "The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs continue to remain opposed to hydraulic fracturing and will not see it happen in our unceded and traditional territory." (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/fracking-uranium-mining-assembly-of-mikmaq-chiefs-tim-houston-1.7495996).

Furthermore, public funds must not subsidize fossil fuel expansion—especially through mechanisms like the province's agreement with Dalhousie University. While Nova Scotians face severe pressures around housing, groceries, and daily living costs, taxpayer dollars should never be funneled to the oil and gas industry.

The public health hazards of fracking are severe. According to the Nova Scotia committee of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, proximity to fracking sites is strongly linked to elevated rates of preterm births, childhood asthma, and congenital defects. A 2022 study in Environmental Health Perspectives revealed that children living near fracking sites face two to three times higher odds of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (https://cape.ca/press_release/nova-scotia-doctors-warn-of-health-risks-from-fracking-and-uranium-mining/).

Much like uranium mining, fracking is an expensive, hazardous distraction. We must focus on strategic, future-proof investments—not volatile gambles that heighten climate risks and leave Nova Scotians less secure.

As elected leaders representing the region directly targeted for exploration, your immediate leadership is critical. I urge you to take the following actions without delay:

- Publicly oppose any exploration, permitting, or funding arrangements involving Questerre, the Nova Scotia government, or Dalhousie University.

- Demand full transparency regarding all current discussions between the province, educational institutions, and energy companies.

- Call for the immediate, formal restoration of the moratoria on both fracking and uranium mining as soon as the Nova Scotia Legislature resumes sitting this fall.

Our water, health, and climate security cannot wait. I look forward to your prompt response detailing the concrete steps you will take to protect our community.

Sincerely,

[Your Name will be added here]

[Your Postal Code will be added here]