22 OCTOBER 2013

The Green Party is calling for a public inquiry into the events of Thursday October 17 at the shale gas protest site outside of Rexton.

"October 17th was a dark day for New Brunswick. The only way to clear the air and get to the truth amid all of the accusations and innuendo is through a public inquiry. I have written the Ombudsman, Mr. Charles Murray, requesting that he launch an inquiry as soon as possible," said David Coon, Green Party leader.

The Ombudsman's mandate is to investigate complaints against administrative decisions and acts of officials of the NB government, agencies or organizations, and any of the municipalities of the province to determine if the decisions or actions were unreasonable, unjust, oppressive or discriminatory, or made under a mistake of law or fact, or contrary to law or by an abuse of discretion.

"Violence by any party is never an acceptable way of resolving a dispute. New Brunswickers need to know what happened and why," said Coon.