News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The following statement was issued today by Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup:

An investigation conducted by the Department of Natural Resources has concluded that Windsor Energy Inc. of Calgary, Alta., violated the Oil and Natural Gas Act when it directed a contracted company to conduct geophysical exploration within the boundaries of the town of Sussex.

The investigation found that on Monday, Oct. 17, geophysical testing involving the use of truck-mounted vibration equipment was conducted along a highway inside the town's boundaries.

Under regulation 86-191 of the Oil and Natural Gas Act, a municipality's written permission is required before geophysical activity can be conducted inside the boundaries of an incorporated municipality.

In this case, Windsor Energy Inc. directed a contracted company to conduct exploratory seismic testing even though it knew a request for permission to do so would not be considered by Sussex town council until a special council meeting called for Oct. 18 to consider this application.

The company's president and chief executive officer, Khalid Amin, has been quoted in media reports as stating he knew that permission had not been granted and was also aware this testing would intrude within the boundaries of the municipality.

As such, I consider this to be a case of blatant disregard for provincial legislation and the authority that rests with the Town of Sussex and all municipalities in our province.

I believe Mr. Amin owes a sincere public apology to the mayor, councillors and people of Sussex for this show of disrespect.

As minister of Natural Resources, I have directed staff to take appropriate action.

It should be noted that Windsor Energy Inc. has since concluded all geophysical testing in this area that was permitted under a three-year licence to explore.

Finally, I wish to assure New Brunswickers that companies exploring for or developing oil and natural gas reserves in our province will be held to the highest standards in their conduct and adherence to our laws.

The rules we have in place and those now being developed are intended to protect our environment and our people. They must be respected or serious consequences will result.