New Brunswick could see C$13 million in development for every shale gas well drilled in the province, opening up opportunities for the province to prosper, according to an analysis by Deloitte. However, a recent poll found that critics of development are gaining support.

The Deloitte report, commissioned by Future NB and the New Brunswick Business Council (NBBC), also found that each well would require 206 people to develop. Deloitte, which spent four months on the research, found that the companies with the best opportunities for new business were in the equipment rental, transportation and professional services sectors, including those involved in environmental approvals, surveying and permitting. Companies that perform casing, cementing and pipeline installation would also benefit.

Deloitte said companies in the province should consider preparing for the arrival of shale gas development by obtaining certifications and becoming familiar with the contracting process. The report said New Brunswick businesses should build relationships and acquire experience, as shale gas development would be extremely competitive. The provincial government was also encouraged to partner with industry and post-secondary educators to evaluate New Brunswick’s workforce, and to make adjustments and preparations where necessary.

New Brunswick is home to the prospective Frederick Brook Shale. The emerging play lies beneath the Hiram Brook tight gas sands in both the Sussex and Elgin sub-basins (see NGI, Dec. 13, 2010).

Meanwhile, a recent poll found growing support for the opposition Liberal party, which has been critical of shale gas development. The poll also showed that support for Premier David Alward, an advocate for shale gas development, has eroded in one year’s time, and more than half of respondents are dissatisfied with the governing Progressive Conservative (PC) party.

According to a Corporate Research Associates poll released on June 6, a combined 51% were either completely or mostly dissatisfied with the PC government’s overall performance in May, up slightly from the 49% disapproval marks recorded last February and in November. Respondents also said that if an election were held today, 41% would vote for the Liberals, while the PC party drew 29% support and the New Democratic Party polled at 27%.

The poll also showed that Liberal Party interim leader Victor Boudreau and Liberal Brian Gallant were each preferred by 31% of respondents for election as premier; support for Alward was 20%. By comparison, Boudreau and Gallant were polling at 17% in May 2012, while Alward was at 37%.

Boudreau and Alward have sparred over shale gas development in the past, and at least one expert has warned that Alward and his government could be turned out of office over the issue (see NGI, Sept. 5, 2011). Alward and Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup have blocked efforts to enact a shale drilling moratorium. Last February, New Brunswick unveiled rules for oil and gas development in the province, including a requirement that operators disclose all of the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.

©Copyright 2013Intelligence Press Inc. All rights reserved. The preceding news reportmay not be republished or redistributed, in whole or in part, in anyform, without prior written consent of Intelligence Press, Inc.