A strategic analysis of the New Brunswick, Canada fracking controversy

- Strategic analysis of the fracking controversy in New Brunswick (NB), Canada
- Carried out using the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution
- Conflict between the NB provincial government and Elsipogtog First Nation
- The most likely outcome of the dispute is the current status quo.

Strategic insights into the previous conflict between the Elsipogtog First Nation and the New Brunswick (NB) Provincial Government are presented using a formal conflict resolution technique. The conflict surrounds the prospect of widespread hydraulic fracturing in NB, one of Canada's Maritime provinces on the east coast of the country. The hydraulic fracturing technique, used for mining natural gas trapped in shale rock formations, has recently received much attention. The process is strongly opposed by some groups, including the Elsipogtog First Nation, primarily due to the potential environmental impacts associated with the technique. Through the application of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution, it is found that the status quo at the time of the conflict was the most likely outcome in this conflict. The previous Conservative New Brunswick government had a great deal of power in this conflict and it had demonstrated its intention to develop the shale gas in the province in the face of much civil unrest. It is discovered, however, that there is a potential resolution to the conflict that will appease the residents of NB, if a moratorium is issued concerning hydraulic fracturing.