N.W.T. announces plans to develop fracking regulations

The Northwest Territories government will be coming up with its own regulations governing hydraulic fracturing.

Industry Minister Dave Ramsay made the announcement in the legislature yesterday.

He says he's aware of the polarizing debate around fracking, and wants to ensure the regulations reflect northern values and priorities.

“We will not develop regulations without consulting members, the public, aboriginal governments, industry, NGOs and other stakeholders. Any regulations we do develop will be based on current science, recognized best practices and will consider all the views presented during consultations.”

Ramsay plans to announce a timeline for public consultations in late June.

The regulations will follow the N.W.T. Oil and Gas Operations Act, which came into force on April 1, 2014 at devolution.

The Yukon Government is currently in the middle of its consultations for developing its own politics on fracking.