First Nations communities in the Gaspé unite against fracking
Group of First Nations leaders threaten legal action over Petrolia drilling projects
A group of First Nations communities in Quebec have come out in opposition to hydraulic fracturing projects on their territories in the Gaspé and on Anticosti Island.
Faced with a number of potential energy projects, Mi'kmaq communities in Gespeg, Listuguj and Gesgapegiag have teamed up with the Innu people in Mingan and Maliseets from Viger to demand respect for their ancestral rights.
The group is denouncing Petrolia in particular, after the company announced it was considering hydro fracking for its Haldimand sites, located next to a residential area in Gaspé.
The First Nations communities are concerned about the effect the Petrolia project could have on habitat, wildlife and drinking water.
The head of the Mi'kmaq Gespeg Nation, Manon Jeannotte, said that they are ready to take legal action if the communities are not properly consulted.
If necessary, community members will occupy the drill sites, Jeannotte said. The communities also want to meet with the provincial government.
Along with the Haldimand site, Petrolia is also involved in a controversial joint venture on Anticosti Island, located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The joint venture is currently preparing sites on the island for an exploratory fracking operation.
With files from Radio-Canada's Jean-François Deschênes