Forty-eight companies hold mineral claims in New Brunswick and many of them are actively exploring.
Saint John M-P Rodney Weston says the development of shale gas holds great potential and the responsible thing to do is determined whether it can be commercially viable in the province. If it is, Weston says the port will benefit by exporting it worldwide. He agrees with Mayor Mel Norton about there being more reasons for Saint Johnners to be hopeful about the economic future of the city than pessimistic.