Tom Alexander says they are working with the province on getting permits but made the call on exploration due to time constraints with contractors.
He tells CHSJ News it's disappointing because they would like to get the work done but they have lots to do.
He says they can still work with the province on other matters such as how the new royalty plan will work.
Alexander says they are very interested in how the government's public consultation tour on shale gas will go.
