Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup says Windsor Energy's testing for shale gas in Sussex without the town's permission is a black eye to the industry.
Northrup says the province should know by next week what amount of fines or other sanctions they can impose on Windsor Energy but would elaborate on how far the punishment would go.
He says no matter what kind of punishment may be brought down on the energy company, he recognizes that some people will see it as a slap on the wrist.
He says the violation could affect the renewal of Windsor's license for future work with the province.