Blue Ribbon campaign launched by anti-shale gas movement in Fredericton

Fredericton – Close to forty members of the anti-shale gas movement participated in the official launch of the Blue Ribbon campaign on April 4th in the capital city. The group was led by a convoy of vehicles plastered with blue balloons and ribbons, symbolizing water conservation and protection. Those marching behind the vehicles carried anti-shale gas signs and balloons as well.

Starting at noon on the Old Native Burial Grounds on the Woodstock Road with a police escort, the march slinked its way through the downtown. It rolled down King St. behind the Legislature, and swung back around up Queen to pass the front of the House, coming to rest at Fredericton City Hall. After about an hour of peaceful protest at City Hall, the crowd dispersed.

Having lobbied the government on the issue in the past, the campaign is a signal the movement against shale gas development is moving into the lobbying of municipalities. They are asking their municipal candidates for Mayor and Councilors to take a stand on protecting the city’s air and water.

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The Blue Ribbon campaign march departs the Old Burial Grounds on Woodstock Road in Fredericton on Thursday, April 5. Video: Cheryl Norrad, The Purple Violet Press.

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The convoy of vehicles and protesters went past the government offices in the Centennial Building on King Street and behind the Legislature. Video: Cheryl Norrad for The Purple Violet Press.

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Candidate for Mayor of Fredericton, Matthew Hayes, was out in support of the Blue Ribbon campaign today. Video: Cheryl Norrad, The Purple Violet Press.

This article was originally published in The Purple Violet Press.