Liberals slam environmental funding of New Brunswick shale gas study, MLA Chris Collins says pitched idea not what trust fund is for

Liberals slam environmental funding of shale gas study, MLA Chris Collins says pitched idea not what trust fund is for by CBC News, February 14, 2013l
The Opposition Liberals are criticizing the Alward government for considering using money from the Environmental Trust Fund to study the impact of developing the shale gas industry. Environment critic Chris Collis says using the funds to pay for the government’s new Energy Institute to study the issue is “a far cry” from what the fund is meant for. The money is supposed to be used for community environmental projects across the province, Collins stated in a news release. “These projects are meant to improve the province’s environment, as well as to educate New Brunswickers on ways to do so,” said Collins, the MLA for Moncton East. Earlier this week, Energy Minister Craig Leonard said the fund, which comes from bottle deposits that are not redeemed by New Brunswickers, is one possible source of funding for shale gas studies. … But Collins contends the idea contrasts statements previously made by other members of government, including Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Trevor Holder, who had argued in the legislature that the trust fund was a “sacred trust.” … Scientist Louis LaPierre had recommended the government set up a new Energy Institute to study shale gas science and monitor how the industry develops in the province. LaPierre, who led a series of public meetings to solicit feedback on 116 proposed regulatory changes to the oil and gas industry, has also recommended the government use trust fund money to pay for the institute. The government is now hiring LaPierre, a professor emeritus in biology at the University of Moncton, to run the institute. [Emphasis added]