“We don’t want it”: Protesters oppose Tantramar gas plant and Lorneville data centre
On Oct. 19, protesters gathered outside the New Brunswick Legislature in Fredericton to voice concerns about future industrial development across the province either supported or being mulled over by Susan Holt’s Liberal government.
From gas plants and data centers to mining and fracking, people raised their voices in opposition regarding these two possible projects.
Protesters raised concerns about noise, industrial lighting, increased traffic along Route 940 and potential impacts on well water.
Megan Mitton, deputy leader of the New Brunswick Green Party, addressed protesters on Tuesday, speaking out against the proposed developments.
During her speech, Mitton accused the government of “pushing” projects forward despite community opposition.
“They've called this the 'voice of the people' rallies and I wanted to say I'm standing in solidarity with them and that I'm going to take their voice into the legislature,” she said.
Mitton also expressed her hope of seeing more Green Party members elected to the Legislature. She emphasized that the Greens would prioritize public participation in the legislative process rather than the interests of “corporations and billionaires.”
Dr. Chris Arsenault, co-chair of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, delivered a speech expressing his concerns about the potential risks and consequences of the Tantramar gas plant and the Lorneville data centre.
Arsenault argued that the government is unaware of the potential exposure and risks associated with the projects, attributing its decisions to “ignorance.”
“We cannot let this government or any government ignore our health. Green alternatives exist and won't make us sick,” he said.
According to Arsenault, in a recent vote, doctors across New Brunswick approved a motion opposing fossil fuel development in the province to protect citizens' health. As a result, 72 per cent voted in favor and only 12 per cent against.
Despite this, Arsenault said that the government is on "track" to keep worsening climate change, which the World Health Organization identifies as the "greatest threat" facing humanity.
"No industry with these kinds of risks can be allowed to go forward, certainly not while our Department of Health is completely unable to understand or reduce those risks, he said. The department ... must be rebuilt to protect us from the harms of climate change and industrial development.”
New Brunswickers held signs during the two-hour protest to make a statement regarding their opposition to the Sisson Mine project, a natural gas power plant in Tantramar and an AI data center inside Saint John’s Spruce Lake Industrial Park.
People called on the government, including Holt, to address their concerns regarding pollution, health risks, as well as higher power bills.
“We don’t want it” was the chant repeated by protesters during the demonstration.
New Brunswickers argue that they have been left out of important conversations about projects that could directly affect their homes, health and communities.
Residents demand more investment in renewable energy by Holt's government, such as wind and solar power, rather than committing to additional fossil-fuel infrastructure.
Despite Holt's emphasis on jobs, investment, economic development and reliable electricity, protesters question whether these benefits justify potential environmental damage and long-term costs.
Jennifer Sloan-White, a St. Thomas University alumna, attended the protest alongside her partner, Gordon Price. Both expressed concerns about how the proposed projects could affect their long-term health.
Sloan-White described the proposed Tantramar gas plant as “discouraging” and expressed concern that it would use fracked gas from the United States.
Although NB Power sent representatives to Tantramar to speak with the town council, Sloan-White believes the public has not yet had a meaningful opportunity to voice its concerns and express its dissatisfaction with the proposed projects.
Price emphasized that NB Power only gives information in terms of finances; however, they do not respond to questions or concerns around health matters.
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