APTN National News
LAKETON, NB–Tensions are high north of Elsipogtog First Nation as a line of RCMP officers is now confronting Mi’kmaq gathering in an attempt to stop thumper trucks operated by SWN Resources Canada.
APTN National News reporter Ossie Michelin said RCMP officers have formed a line in front of the trucks and are confronting increasingly angry Elsipogtog residents.
A woman from Elsipogtog First Nation was arrested Thursday morning as SWN Resources resumed its controversial shale gas exploration north of the community.
RCMP officers arrested Lorraine Clair, a high-profile Elsipogtog resident who has consistently opposed SWN’s exploration work.
New Brunswick RCMP spokeswoman Jullie Rogers-Marsh confirmed one person was arrested for “causing a disturbance.” Rogers-Marsh said no charges have yet been laid.
“Things are continuing to be peaceful other then the arrest,” said Rogers-Marsh. “We are going to continue to stay in the area and monitor the situation. We are going to continue to ensure public safety.”
SWN’s thumper trucks returned to an area about 46 km north of Elsipogtog. The thumper trucks work with geophones, which were strung along Hwy 11 by SWN Wednesday, to capture images of shale gas deposits underground.
RCMP officers were videotaped loading riot gear earlier in the day in Moncton, NB, which sits about 100 km away from SWN’s current exploration area.
Heavily armed RCMP tactical units raided a Mi’kmaq-led anti-fracking camp on Oct. 17 to free SWN exploration vehicles which were trapped inside a compound owned by JD Irving Ltd.
More to come
One device that the protesters need are video cameras, cell phones etc. to record n UNBIASED record of events. These devices would reveal what ctually happens leving a clear chronical of actions by both sides. Be pro-active and record in several location should there be an escalation in the use of deadly force by either side.
Oh okay so 30% percent of your hard earned money is going to protecting oil companies. Your health care, law enforcement, military, transportation, fire service, education, welfare, and propping up your municipal gov’t, is being funded by whom? Your bombastic claims help your cause, none.
Lets be clear here, you live in Canada. Cheap fossil fuels are important for survival. But of course biting the hand that feeds you is CLEARLY more important that surviving.
Once again, like many countries before you, you will come begging for help from the yanks. To prop up you energy, health care, food subsidies so you normal folk can survive on inflated prices. Only problem is us yanks are plum broke…
You have to find a workable solution and not try and not shut down every single project put forward. Find a new solution to your heating, electric, and transportation needs. Because in the end here, you are going to end up with massive inflation on everything for every product available, while your personal equity drops. If you continue your obstructionism.
Good report. Thank you.
If you want to ensure public safety as you hypocritically state – STOP FRACKING. I can’t believe some of 30% of my hard earned salary (taxes) is paying to protect oil companies and their interests. Makes me sick. How do we stop this?
this is absolutely appalling. we in bc are fighting to stop the Enbridge pipeline from devastating our fragile ecosystems, but it seems that harper has now joined with Enbridge to fight a lawsuit launched against them. is he using our money against ourselves? we have become strangers in our own land. know that you have our support for your fight. keep strong