Premier David Alward says a referendum on shale gas exploration in the province will not be held.
Another protest was held yesterday north of Fredericton and now the RCMP are trying to determine if there is any connection between the protestors and the vandalising of seismic testing equipment in that same area.
Provincial Environment Minister Margaret Ann Blaney tells CHSJ News nothing is etched in stone and if New Brunswickers ultimately say no, so be it but the government has a responsibility to explore what shale gas development is all about from every angle.
Blaney adds the protection of well water is a priority for the government. The protestors are worried about their drinking water will be contaminated by methane because of hydraulic fracturing which releases the natural gas. 