Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 – We were shocked to hear the Houston government’s intention to alter legislation that would allow for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and uranium exploration in Nova Scotia, tabled yesterday as a part of a larger omnibus bill.
This baffling move poses unacceptable risks to Nova Scotia’s fresh water, the health of our communities, key industries and the climate, while ignoring decades of consultation, research and widespread opposition from the public, experts and Mi’kmaw communities. It continues a very concerning trend from this government of short-sighted, undemocratic decisions that place wealthy corporate interests over the long-term wellbeing of everyday Nova Scotians.
Threats to water and community health
The widely accepted health risks posed by fracking – the process of blasting a mixture of toxic chemicals, fresh water and sand into rock formations to release oil and gas deposits – and uranium mining have been known for decades.
Not only do both processes require vast amounts of fresh water, but the leftover tailings (radioactive sediment and/or toxic fluid) must be stored in tailings ponds or in underground caverns. All over the world, these tailings have been found to seep into groundwater and contaminate the environment with toxins that can cause a variety of severe health issues – ranging from rashes and burns to elevated rates of cancer and birth defects.
Nearly half of all Nova Scotians depend on well water, especially in rural communities. Threatening the health of these communities for the sake of short-term corporate profits was an unconscionable move when these regulations were first put in place, and it remains so today.
There is no recipe for clean water, and the risks posed by these industries are simply too great. As a result of climate change, we have already seen the impacts of water issues in the recent past, and as these challenges will continue to arise, we must be even more vigilant – avoiding activities that further jeopardize local water sources.
Undemocratic process
As many have pointed out, the Houston government did not campaign on their intention to remove safeguards on resource extraction in the last election. In the case of both fracking and uranium mining, public opposition in the province has been widespread and consistent for decades.
Extensive public consultation, independent studies and expert advice informed the decision to ban these industries. The current government does not have a mandate to remove these safeguards, and to do so would be a slap in the face to Nova Scotians.
Threats to cornerstone industries and a truly sustainable economic future
The government’s main arguments in lifting these safeguards are economic. The Premier has repeatedly used the threat of U.S. tariffs in an attempt to scare Nova Scotians into accepting his plan. It is true that Nova Scotians are struggling with an affordability crisis that must be addressed, and that we must find ways to be more self-reliant as a province. However, the notion that fracking or uranium mining will solve either issue simply doesn’t hold up.
Both industries will take years to provide any meaningful economic benefit to everyday Nova Scotians and will do nothing to help us shoulder the financial burdens we currently face.
In the case of uranium mining, the idea that uranium can provide a substantial economic boom for Nova Scotia seems unlikely due to incredibly low royalty rates, massive cleanup costs often placed on taxpayers and existing mines in other jurisdictions already supplying current and forecasted demands.
As global markets shift to truly clean energy sources, expanding dying industries simply doesn’t make sense.
Furthermore, both fracking and uranium mining put cornerstone industries like tourism, forestry and farming at risk. Impacts on our soil, air, water and natural spaces could prove disastrous, negating any potential economic gains they may offer.
If the province is serious about bolstering the economy and helping our communities thrive, they should look to lower costs, create better supports for struggling Nova Scotians and diversify our economy by investing in sustainable, long-term solutions.
Harnessing renewable offshore wind resources in the Sable Island Bank area alone would create an average of 30,000 direct jobs annually during several years of construction and installation, with another 1,200 permanent jobs for ongoing operation and maintenance. This would also open opportunities to sell excess energy to other jurisdictions. Further investments in Nova Scotia’s green economy (outside of offshore wind) and efforts to meet our legislated climate goals would improve affordability, make life more comfortable for Nova Scotians and could create an additional 15,000 jobs annually by 2030.
The world is moving forward, and if we don’t act, Nova Scotia risks being left behind. This is a time when Nova Scotians need forward-thinking, creative solutions from our leaders – not a lazy and short-sighted lurch backwards at the behest of wealthy corporate interests.
We urge the Houston government to end their divisive fearmongering and change course on these risky, undemocratic decisions. It's time to step up, do their jobs and engage in good faith conversations with the public to find innovative solutions that support our economy and build a future where our people, our communities and the natural spaces we all rely on can truly thrive.